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The Best in Art, Design & Gear 2025, From Sonus Faber and Baccarat to Christofle, Christie’s, and Aman Interiors

In an extraordinary development for wine enthusiasts and collectors, Bonhams is set to auction the first-ever vintage of wine cultivated and produced in Bhutan. Set to take place from 3 to 24 April, this landmark event will feature a limited offering of just 48 bottles from the Bhutan Wine Company, making it a momentous occasion in the annals of viticulture.



Bonhams’ historic auction will showcase 48 bottles of Ser Kem—translating to “an offering of alcohol to the gods”—the inaugural bottling from the Bhutan Wine Company. Founded with the goal of introducing the world to Bhutan’s rich terroir, characterised by its pristine environment and high altitude, the unique venture’s first-ever harvest of wine grapes in Bhutan occurred in 2023, resulting in the creation of the Ser Kem bottlings, a special blend that encapsulates the essence of the region’s diverse grape varieties.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234796030" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro_Summer-2022-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796030" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro_Summer-2022-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro_Summer-2022-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro_Summer-2022-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro_Summer-2022-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro_Summer-2022-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="709" height="1024" data-id="1234796029" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro-Vineyard-in-Summer-709x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796029" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro-Vineyard-in-Summer-709x1024.jpeg 709w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro-Vineyard-in-Summer-208x300.jpeg 208w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro-Vineyard-in-Summer-768x1109.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro-Vineyard-in-Summer-1064x1536.jpeg 1064w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bhutan-Wine-Company_Paro-Vineyard-in-Summer.jpeg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 709px) 100vw, 709px" /></figure>
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Michael Juergens and Ann Cross, the pioneering co-founders of Bhutan Wine Company, recognised the untapped potential for viticulture in Bhutan after visiting the country in 2017 and seeing it as an ideal location for wine production. Bhutan Wine Company’s vision, realised through an alliance with local Bhutanese partners Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Karma Choeda, has led to the establishment of a new wine industry in what many consider the globe’s last untouched frontier for wine development, all while celebrating Bhutan’s unique agricultural heritage and aligning with the country’s commitment to sustainability.



Bonhams’ auction highlight will undoubtedly be The Himalayan, a remarkable 7.57-litre bottle estimated to fetch between US$40,000 (approximately HK$310,805) and US$80,000 (approximately HK$621,615). It’s the top lot that all eyes will be on as the density of grape expectations (pun intended) is second to none: this bespoke creation pays homage to Gangkhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, standing at 7,570 metres. Not only will the winning bidder take home the wine, but they will be granted an exclusive, curated trip to Bhutan, featuring cultural and wine experiences with the leadership team of Bhutan Wine Company. Additional perks include priority allocation for the next five vintages and a private tasting with senior members of the Bhutan Wine Company team.



<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/Bonhams-Bhutan-Wine-The-Historical-First-Vintage_3-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796031" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bonhams-Bhutan-Wine-The-Historical-First-Vintage_3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bonhams-Bhutan-Wine-The-Historical-First-Vintage_3-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bonhams-Bhutan-Wine-The-Historical-First-Vintage_3-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bonhams-Bhutan-Wine-The-Historical-First-Vintage_3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bonhams-Bhutan-Wine-The-Historical-First-Vintage_3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bonhams-Bhutan-Wine-The-Historical-First-Vintage_3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



All bottles offered in the auction are signed by the visionary team behind Bhutan Wine Company and will be housed in elegant commemorative boxes crafted by local artisans, further enhancing their exclusivity. Catering to diverse preferences among collectors, a range of bottle sizes, from 750 ml to 5 litres, will be presented at the auction.



“For the first time in history, Bonhams Wine is thrilled to present the first wines from Bhutan ever offered,” says Amayès Aouli, global head of wine and spirits for Bonhams, noting that “this marks a historic moment in the history of wine, bringing the Bhutanese unique terroir, spirituality, and craftsmanship to a global stage.”



Now, the question that lingers is: how is the wine? Most of the reviews have been favourable with a palpable excitement among many oenophiles—a new region and wine terroir uncorked is not an everyday occurrence. British wine critic and member of the Bhutan Wine Company’s advisory board, Jancis Robinson MW, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that “the greatest thrill for me was tasting the first few wines which really do show great promise, with pure varietal flavours and excellent balance.”&nbsp;



While her insights underscore the potential of Bhutan as a novelty in the global wine landscape, the unique Himalayan terroir is unlike any other, single-handedly redefining what is considered a wine region in the viticulture vernacular. In fact, this great frontier could change perception about outstanding wines from Asia, which does not get the level of attention that other territories do. As these Bhutanese bottles emerge at the table, it is that rare opportunity for the taste of a heavenly nectar. After all, Ser Kem was intended for the divine.



All images courtesy of Bonhams.

Auction

Bhutan

Bhutan wine

Ser Kem

Wine

wine auction

A Rare Collection of First-Vintage Wines From Bhutan Is Heading to Auction

One small step for man, one giant addition to your treasure trove of collectibles.



The only photo of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/neil-armstrong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neil Armstrong</a> on the moon is heading to <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auction</a> next month via <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bonhams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonhams</a>. The sale, <a href="https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30739/for-all-mankind-the-artistic-legacy-of-early-space-exploration-victor-martin-malburet-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">For All Mankind: </a>The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration, will include 449 other NASA photographs—some of which are <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/rare-apollo-11-photograph-astronaut-neil-armstrong-on-the-moon-auction-1234777029/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously unknown</a>—from the collection of Victor Martin-Malburet, a space historian who uncovered some of the rare snapshots in archives and collections of former NASA engineers over 25 years.



Taken by Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, the Armstrong photo shows the famed astronaut standing beside the Lunar Module Eagle, which is what took the crew into space on <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/bonhams-auctioning-lunar-samples-neil-armstrong-apollo-11-1234672584/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Apollo 11 mission</a>. Expected to fetch between US$20,000 and US$27,000 (HK$155,495 and HK$209,915), the image was discovered 17 years after the 1969 historic trip made Armstrong the first man to walk on the moon.



The astronaut was also behind the camera on the Apollo 11 mission. The first snapshot Armstrong took on the lunar surface is also up for grabs in the auction, estimated to hammer down for between US$7,600 and US$11,000 (HK$59,090 and HK$85,520). After taking that famed first step, the astronaut was supposed to collect a contingency lunar sample in case of an emergency return, Bonhams says. Instead, Armstrong decided to take the first photo on the moon.



<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/firstphotographtakenbyneilarmstrong.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796216" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/firstphotographtakenbyneilarmstrong.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/firstphotographtakenbyneilarmstrong-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/firstphotographtakenbyneilarmstrong-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first photo taken by Armstrong on the moon. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Another notable memento up for grabs is the first photograph of Earthrise, which is an image that shows both the Earth and part of the moon’s surface. Astronaut William Anders took the black-and-white snapshot during the Apollo 8 mission on Christmas Eve in December 1968; it’s expected to fetch anywhere from to US$13,000 to US$19,000 (HK$101,075 and HK$147,725).



“The Apollo astronauts captured humanity’s greatest dream through their cameras,” Sabine Cornette de Saint Cyr, head of the Bonhams sale, said in a press statement. “Their photographs will forever symbolise the beginning of our expansion into the universe. Today, space exploration is once again a burning topic. It was only natural for Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr to present these undisputed masterpieces of the 20th century to collectors, as they continue to fascinate and enrich our imagination.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/firstphotoofearthrise.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796217" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/firstphotoofearthrise.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/firstphotoofearthrise-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first Earthrise photograph, taken by William Anders. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Alongside these historic images, other space collector’s items going under the hammer include the first selfie in space, taken by Buzz Aldrin on the 1966 Gemini 12 mission (US$8,700 to US$13,000/HK$67,645 and HK$101,080); the first photograph taken in space by humans, which was captured by John Glenn during Friendship 7’s first orbit in 1962 (US$4,400 to US$6,700/HK$34,210 and HK$52,095); and the first snapshot of a human in space, taken by James McDivitt during the first American spacewalk on Gemini 4 (US$1,600 to US$2,200/HK$12,440 and HK$17,105).



For All Mankind: The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration will be held online from 14 to 28 April in Paris, so you won’t have to wait long to hopefully add the memorabilia to your collection.



You could take some stellar space photographs for yourself soon enough, thanks to an wide variety of <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/space-tourism-race-rockets-balloons-supersonic-jets-1235684976/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space-tourism programmes</a> that are on the horizon. <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/virgin-galactic-delta-spacecraft-first-flight-planned-1236263298/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virgin Galactic’s new six-person spacecraft</a> is gearing up to take civilians to space in the fall of 2026, while <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/space-perspective-space-tourism-balloon-test-1235867135/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune</a> balloon also hopes to have consumers hop aboard next year. And Jeff Bezos’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/billionaire-space-race-blue-origins-launch-1235617433/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Origin</a> also has its eyes set on the stars. Best get your <a href="https://robbreport.com/gear/cameras/gallery/leicas-m11-d-camera-review-1235999476/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">camera</a> ready, then.

Apollo 11

Bonhams

Buzz Aldrin

Neil Armstrong

Photographs

The Only Photo of Neil Armstrong on the Moon and Other Famed Space Images Are Headed to Auction

Spring is bringing hot temperatures and even hotter wrist candy.



Bonhams is auctioning off 31 exceptional timepieces at its upcoming Fine Watches sale. Running from 20 to 30 April, the online auction will include lots that range from a mere US$2,500 (HK$19,570) to a hefty US$250,000 (HK$1.9 million). As such, every type of collector should be able to find something to bid on.



The auction will be led by an iconic <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a> Daytona Cosmograph “<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/paul-newman-rolex-daytona-2724803/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Newman</a>” from 1972 (pictured top). Combining parts from references 6262 and 6239, the vintage chronograph features a stainless-steel case and a classic “Panda” dial with a cream backdrop and black subdials. Offered with the original box, paperwork, and receipt, the watch is expected to sell for between US$150,000 and US$250,000 (HK$1.1 million to HK$1.9 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rolex_GMTMaster-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786878" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rolex_GMTMaster-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rolex_GMTMaster-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rolex_GMTMaster-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rolex_GMTMaster.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rolex GMT Master. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Fans of the Crown will also be able to bid on a Rolex GMT Master from 1960. This example showcases a stainless steel case, a black dial with the signature date aperture at three o’clock, and the famous <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-nicknames-1234733641/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Pepsi” bezel</a>. The blue and red colourway was originally a nod to PanAm’s logo, as the GMT-Master was created for the crew of that airline in 1955. The dual time watch also allowed the crew to keep track of both GMT and the local time at their eventual destination. Again, the timepiece comes with the original box, paperwork, and receipt. The lot is expected to fetch between US$50,000 to US$80,000 (HK$391,445 to HK$626,310).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FPJourne_Byblos-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786879" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FPJourne_Byblos-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FPJourne_Byblos-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FPJourne_Byblos-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FPJourne_Byblos.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/f-p-journe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FP Journe</a> Chronomètre Bleu “Byblos.” Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Rarities by independent watchmakers will be up for grabs, too. A limited edition by Francois-Paul Journe’s eponymous brand is expected to hammer down for between US$150,000 and US$250,000 (HK$1.1 million to HK$1.9 million). Released in 2014, the FP Journe Chronomètre Bleu “Byblos” celebrated the opening of the watchmaker’s 10th boutique in Beirut. Named after the ancient city of Byblos, the timepiece features a tantalum case and a striking open-worked dial inspired by the blue Mediterranean sky. The blue chapter ring that sits between six and seven o’clock glimpses the 18-carat rose-gold movement with barleycorn guilloché decoration. The watch was limited to just 99 examples, rendering this lot exceedingly rare.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AP_Tourbillon-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786880" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AP_Tourbillon-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AP_Tourbillon-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AP_Tourbillon-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AP_Tourbillon.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audemars-piguet/">Audemar</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audemars-piguet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audemars-piguet/"> Piguet</a> Jules Audemars minute repeating tourbillon. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Another piece on offer pays homage to one of the founders of Audemars Piguet. Produced in 2000, the coveted Jules Audemars minute repeating tourbillon (Reference 5982BC) features an 18-carat white-gold case and dial set with mesmerising diamonds. The watch is also fitted with the complications Audemars helped pioneer after he co-founded the Swiss brand in 1875. The glitzy grail has a pre-auction estimate of US$70,000 to US$120,000 (HK$548,025 to HK$939,475).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bulgari_Tourbillon-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786881" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bulgari_Tourbillon-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bulgari_Tourbillon-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bulgari_Tourbillon-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bulgari_Tourbillon.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bulgari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulgari</a> Octo Finissimo Tourbillon. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Several modern designs will also go under the (digital) gavel, such as one of the sought-after Bulgari Octo Finissimo tourbillons. Made in 2023, the limited edition (Reference 102900) is distinguished by an 18-carat gold case and an elegant skeletonised dial. The piece will be offered with an estimate of US$65,000 to US$85,000 (HK$508,880 to HK$665,455).



Bonhams says more details on the auction will be shared soon. Stay tuned.

Audemars Piguet

Bulgari

FP Journe

Rolex

A 1972 Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona and 30 More Exceptional Watches Are Heading to Auction This Month

There was a time in American automotive history when marques like <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/duesenberg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duesenberg</a>, Packard, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/cadillac-house-at-vanderbilt-1235414496/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cadillac </a>were the equal of anything from Europe, playing in the same elite circle as <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-another-sales-record-6032-vehicles-1235466657/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bugatti-shows-off-final-1500-hp-chiron-1235471106/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bugatti</a>, Isotta Fraschini, or <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/1924-hispano-suiza-h6c-tulipwood-torpedo-rm-sothebys-auction-1234694047/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hispano Suiza</a>. But no American car was as coveted then—and by collectors today—as Duesenberg, whose coach-built creations represented the pinnacle of performance, luxury, and exclusivity.



In 1913, the Duesenberg Motors Company was founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota, by brothers Fred and August Duesenberg. They moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1920 and set up the Duesenberg Automobile &amp; Motors Company, producing a then-state-of-the-art Model A that featured a powerful straight-eight engine and hydraulic brakes on all four wheels. The brothers proved their mettle by building and winning with race cars too. Despite their accomplishments, the two men struggled to keep the operation in business, and it was acquired by Errett Lobban Cord in 1926.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="1931 Duesenberg Model J Conv Sedan, ex Paris Salon/Queen Maria of Yugoslavia | Scottsdale Auction" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jDYp5XbpOfw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Cord set about building the Duesenberg Model J, giving it a formidable 420 ci straight-eight engine, which was manufactured by Lycoming (another Cord company) and recognisable by its tree frog-green engine block. With dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, it developed 265 hp and was good for a top speed of about 91 mph. Alas, the Great Depression crashed everyone’s party. Automaker Duesenberg declared bankruptcy in 1937, with about 445 Model J and 26 supercharged <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/recap-2023-wynn-concours-delegance-1235413231/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Model SJ</a> examples built.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_3-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783542" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_3-1.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_3-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_3-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 1931 Duesenberg Model J being auctioned through <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bonhams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonhams</a>. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



The big Duesys were available with semi-custom body designs from LaGrande, the company’s in-house shop, in addition to American coach-builders like Murphy, Judkins, and LeBaron offering “catalogue” styles from which customers could choose. Yet with such an exceptional pedigree, the Duesenberg J chassis was often clothed with the best European coachwork as well. Whichever body it wore, a Duesenberg J was the most expensive stateside model of its time, with completed cars costing from US$14,000 (HK$109,470) to US$20,000 (HK$156,385).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/4-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_11.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783541" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/4-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_11.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/4-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_11-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/4-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_11-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The car’s 265 hp, 420 ci straight-eight engine with its distinctive green block. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



On 25 January, Bonhams comes to the Westin Kirkland Resort &amp; Spa in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/scottsdale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottsdale</a>, Arizona, with a particularly glamorous Duesenberg Model J. Wearing a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/convertible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">convertible</a>-sedan body by Carrosserie Franay of Paris, it features a dual-windscreen design (one each for front and rear passengers) and comes with some very notable provenance. Most European customers acquired their cars from the Parisian showroom of Motor Deluxe, the leading overseas outlet for Duesenberg, which sold 14 Model Js between October and January, following the 1931 Paris Salon. One of the cars shown there was Chassis No. 2465 (Engine No. J-446), a long-wheelbase Model J that was purchased by Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia. Apparently, the queen was impressed with her acquisition, as her Lady of Honour wrote to the company expressing satisfaction with the car’s “grand comfort, remarkable suppleness, and supreme elegance.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/3-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_15.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783540" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/3-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_15.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/3-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_15-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/3-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_15-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The striking red interior exudes the “grand comfort, remarkable suppleness, and supreme elegance” that the Queen of Yugoslavia’s Lady of Honour wrote about in period. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



An interim owner or two followed, and the car was in Maryland by 1941. Prior to, or after, its arrival in the US, the original flowing fenders were replaced with more sporting pontoon-style fenders and floating running boards, which remain on the car today. Importantly, this Duesenberg J retains its original body, engine, and chassis. An extensive restoration, completed in 1996, was followed by numerous concours awards, including the Pre-War Touring Class award at the Louis Vuitton Classic at Rockefeller Center, First in Class at the CCCA Annual Experience at Hickory Corners, and the Meadowbrook Memorial Trophy at the 1997 Meadowbrook Concours. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_9.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783539" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_9.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_9-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5-w-1931-Duesenberg-Model-J-Convertible-Sedan_9-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An extensive restoration, completed in 1996, was followed by numerous concours awards for this matching-numbers example. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



In 2002, the current owner acquired the car, which went on to take second in class at the 2005 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Finished in black with a red interior and chrome wire wheels, it also features a radiator grill adorned with a Lalique crystal Chrysis mascot. The vehicle is estimated to fetch as much as US$3 million (HK$23.4 million).

Duesenberg

Car of the Week: This 1931 Duesenberg Was Once Owned by a Queen. Now It Could Fetch HK$23.4 Million at Auction.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fair Trade</h2>



Pre-pandemic, gallerists and collectors alike were so exhausted from the global calendar of fair-hopping that someone actually coined the word “fair-tigue”—and the fact that this poorly conceived term entered the art-world lexicon is telling of how prevalent the emotion was. 



Well, there’s nothing like two or three years of sheltering in place to remind culture vultures that there is a world of opportunity out there—even if it is taking place in fluorescent-lit convention centres. It’s those same exhausted travelling collectors who keenly booked up tickets to the Basels and the Friezes, as well as to new fairs that were mushrooming across the globe in art-capital hopefuls.



Nowhere was that more true than in Asia, where fairs began popping up to great fanfare. While the debut of Frieze in Seoul in late 2022 was the big show pony that had people talking—in particular, whether Seoul would overtake Hong Kong as Asia’s primary art hub—November 2022 saw the launch of Art Week Tokyo, followed by Art SG in January 2023, and Tokyo Gendai just half a year later.



“We’re really seeing the pluralisation of art hubs in Asia,” says Erica Siu, senior vice president at Sutton, whose firm represents Art Basel, Taipei Dangdai, and Art SG, as well as Art Week Tokyo and Gallery Weekend Beijing. “What you see in the first edition of a new art fair is only the beginning. As the overseas galleries coming in to show get to know the idiosyncrasies of each market and understand local collectors’ tastes, you’ll see the fairs get even better. The curation will grow more targeted and sophisticated, and sales performance will increase as well. The same goes for various festivals that can shed light on the local art scene, evolving year after year to attract both local and overseas audiences.”



This can already be seen in Seoul, which in September 2023 welcomed everybody who was anybody from across the Asian region—in art or otherwise. Our Week, an emerging satellite fair, also joined the fray, launching during the Frieze fair period with booths from Hong Kong galleries Kiang Malingue, PHD Group, and Flowers Gallery. 



Enrico Polato, whose gallery, Capsule Shanghai, does six or seven shows per year in its cosy, residential-style space in the Chinese city’s French Concession area, counted that by the time 2023 ends, they will have taken booth space at 12 global fairs, including Art SG, Hong Kong’s Art Basel, Taipei Dangdai, Frieze Seoul, and West Bund—in effect, staging some 12 off-campus exhibitions, as Polato has a practice of creating one- or two-artist presentations at fairs, instead of the hodgepodge of bestsellers that some participating galleries prefer.



“What we’re trying to do is to open up possibilities into new markets,” Polato says of the rationale behind taking part in these fairs, despite the hefty cost and sometimes uncertain returns. “And the only way to do it is just to be on the spot. What I find challenging is that you really have a short time to connect with a large number of people, and the pace of a fair is very fast, so it is sometimes frustrating. But the results come in the long run. I had cases where people reached out after the fair because we had a show with the artists they saw at the fair, and there was some sort of visual memory, and so they reached out for information about the new body of works.” 



Ultimately, it’s revenge travel with a purpose—but if it ups the game and diversifies the market in Asia’s art capitals, then we’re all for it.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="858" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zeng-Fanzhi_Mask-2000-No.-3-2000-858x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782641" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zeng-Fanzhi_Mask-2000-No.-3-2000-858x1024.jpeg 858w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zeng-Fanzhi_Mask-2000-No.-3-2000-251x300.jpeg 251w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zeng-Fanzhi_Mask-2000-No.-3-2000-768x917.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zeng-Fanzhi_Mask-2000-No.-3-2000-1287x1536.jpeg 1287w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zeng-Fanzhi_Mask-2000-No.-3-2000-1716x2048.jpeg 1716w" sizes="(max-width: 858px) 100vw, 858px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Auction Debut</h3>



Bonhams



Mask 2000 No. 3 by Zeng Fanzhi



This special Zeng Fanzhi work was the headline lot at the “Rediscovery: Manfred Schoeni’s Legacy” sale in May 2023, comprising works from the personal collection of the late art dealer and collector who died tragically in 2004 and was known as one of the early champions and patrons of Chinese art, contributing to its meteoric rise in the early 2000s. Acquired directly from the artist’s studio, the fresh-to-market canvas made it onto the block at Bonhams with a high estimate of HK$25 million before closing at a respectable HK$24.7 million; a portion of the painting’s proceeds was earmarked for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund.



This large piece from the Mask series, besides representing a key trope in Chinese contemporary art of its time, showcases a masked figure in a Western-style suit accompanied by a bulldog, capturing a poignant era in China’s history and acting as a marker of globalisation and the rapid modernisation happening in the country during that period.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="938" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yoshitomo-Nara_Lookin-for-a-Treasure-938x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782640" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yoshitomo-Nara_Lookin-for-a-Treasure-938x1024.jpeg 938w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yoshitomo-Nara_Lookin-for-a-Treasure-275x300.jpeg 275w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yoshitomo-Nara_Lookin-for-a-Treasure-768x838.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yoshitomo-Nara_Lookin-for-a-Treasure-1407x1536.jpeg 1407w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yoshitomo-Nara_Lookin-for-a-Treasure-1876x2048.jpeg 1876w" sizes="(max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px" /></figure>



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



Phillips



Lookin’ For a Treasure by Yoshitomo Nara



The work of Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara is a familiar sight at auctions, and his so-called “Nara girls” regularly top auction records, but the sale of this piece for a cool HK$83.8 million is a strong reminder to look deeper at the nuance of each seemingly similar work. For starters, Nara canvasses of girls dressed in yellow are rarer within the artist’s oeuvre—they feature in fewer than 20 works before 2000. (Meanwhile, ladies in red or blue are three or four times more common, and so the bulk of Nara’s record-breaking sales at auction tend to feature yellow-clad youngsters.)



Moreover, the year that Lookin’ for a Treasure was painted also marked the beginning of the artist’s transition to a more delicate and painterly aesthetic—the style he is best known for today. Lookin’ for a Treasure last appeared at auction in 2011, selling for HK$4.2 million, representing an increase in value of over 20-fold in the last 12 years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="897" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Matthew-Wong-River-at-Dusk-王俊傑-《黃昏的河流》-897x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782642" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Matthew-Wong-River-at-Dusk-王俊傑-《黃昏的河流》-897x1024.jpeg 897w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Matthew-Wong-River-at-Dusk-王俊傑-《黃昏的河流》-263x300.jpeg 263w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Matthew-Wong-River-at-Dusk-王俊傑-《黃昏的河流》-768x877.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Matthew-Wong-River-at-Dusk-王俊傑-《黃昏的河流》-1345x1536.jpeg 1345w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Matthew-Wong-River-at-Dusk-王俊傑-《黃昏的河流》-1794x2048.jpeg 1794w" sizes="(max-width: 897px) 100vw, 897px" /></figure>



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



Sotheby’s



River at Dusk by Matthew Wong



Matthew Wong’s death by suicide in 2019 ignited an auction-market frenzy that has yet to abate, if the sale of this work is any indication. The Canadian-born artist of Chinese descent—who was on the autism spectrum, had Tourette’s syndrome, and suffered from depression for much of his adult life—spent many of his formative years in Hong Kong and exhibited both here and in New York, with shows that were critically lauded from the start.



His style of painting—using saturated hues, dots, and dabs—carry vibrance and melancholy in equal measure, synthesising inspiration from many of the great painters of the world, but in a visual language both authentic and unique. River at Dusk in particular was created a year before the artist’s passing and hit the block a mere two years after fetching a record breaking HK$37.8 million in December 2020—this time, it achieved a hammer price of HK$52.3 million.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ABHK23__Galleries__Nanzuka__Public_Interactions__PR__MC_1062_HiRes-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782643" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ABHK23__Galleries__Nanzuka__Public_Interactions__PR__MC_1062_HiRes-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ABHK23__Galleries__Nanzuka__Public_Interactions__PR__MC_1062_HiRes-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ABHK23__Galleries__Nanzuka__Public_Interactions__PR__MC_1062_HiRes-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ABHK23__Galleries__Nanzuka__Public_Interactions__PR__MC_1062_HiRes-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ABHK23__Galleries__Nanzuka__Public_Interactions__PR__MC_1062_HiRes-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Art Basel Hong Kong 2023. ABHK23, Galleries, Nanzuka, Public Interactions, PR, MC .</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Art Fair</h3>



Art Basel Hong Kong 2023



If we had to choose a single moment pinpointing Hong Kong’s return to glory following the strict travel restrictions that ruled for most of 2022, it was Art Basel. After all, the unofficial slogan of the fair—and the refrain of most gallerists, local or otherwise—was “Hong Kong’s back,” and indeed it was, with telltale signs across social and financial aspects. Art parties were plentiful (unmasked and oversubscribed) while sales were brisk. Among the top-end primary-market sales were pieces by Mark Bradford, Roni Horn, and George Condo by Hauser &amp; Wirth, an Elizabeth Peyton by David Zwirner, and two Alex Katz paintings by Gladstone Gallery.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="811" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lot-2902-1024x811.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782644" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lot-2902-1024x811.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lot-2902-300x238.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lot-2902-768x608.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lot-2902-1536x1216.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lot-2902-2048x1621.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



Christie’s



Yangcai Reticulated and Rotating “Dragon Boat” Vase



Considered the most iconic of the Qianlong imperial ceramics, the zhuanxinping—rotating vases—are all the more precious for their rarity. Created in the mid- to late 1700s at the behest and taste of the Qianlong Emperor, this specimen features a lantern shaped outer body carved with four open-worked and interlocked ruyi-shaped panels set in an enamelled latticework backdrop, with a detachable waisted neck that is flanked by ornate handles shaped as dragons. Behind the latticework on the body of the vase is an inner cylindrical vessel, featuring festive scenes from a traditional dragon-boat race, with rowers and spectators dotting the intricate landscape. Turning the neck of the vase allows the body to rotate accordingly so that the interior artwork can be examined through the reticulated portion. This stunning piece had a hammer estimate of up to HK$30 million, finally selling for just over HK$40.3 million.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kusama_West-Gallery-Installation-View-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782645" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kusama_West-Gallery-Installation-View-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kusama_West-Gallery-Installation-View-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kusama_West-Gallery-Installation-View-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kusama_West-Gallery-Installation-View-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kusama_West-Gallery-Installation-View-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



M+



Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now



Kusama’s pumpkins are by now so ubiquitous a trope that you’d think the art world would be over the “Queen of Dots,” but this intriguing artist’s oeuvre is so diverse and complex that to do so would be to overlook a boundary-breaking career that is so much more than a spotted vegetable (that said, said pumpkins continue to smash auction records as we speak).



This survey show of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s practice delivered on both commercial and critical fronts, deftly balancing the technicolour dreamworld that the public sees at first glance with the intricacies of the artist’s various phases and inner universe, from her psychedelic, wearable phallic soft sculptures to her avant-garde New York performative work, as well as the more meditative visual musings arising from her hallucinatory visions.



Besides offering a more considered look into a storied artist, Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now acts as a shining example of why Hong Kong’s own world class art museum was well worth the wait.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_3156-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782646" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_3156-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_3156-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_3156-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_3156-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_3156-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gallery Show</h3>



Kwai Fung Hin



Worlds Beyond Reality—Monet’s Legacy



Few local galleries could attempt to mount a show such as Worlds Beyond Reality—Monet’s Legacy, but Kwai Fung Hin, operating from its new location in Tai Kwun, did it flawlessly and elegantly. In this exhibition, Claude Monet’s Pivoines (1887)—executed during his early years in Giverny and later referred to by the artist himself as “my most beautiful work of art”—is placed in conversation with the works of assorted artistic greats, including Zao Wou-ki, Lalan, and Chu Teh-chun, along with David Hockney, Shara Hughes, Ziad Dallol, and Myonghi Kang. The juxtaposition of these artists, hailing from East and West, through modernist and contemporary eras, are proof of the Impressionist artist’s enduring legacy.

Art Basel

Christie's

Exhibition

gallery

Kwai Fung Hin

Phillips

Sotheby's

The Best in Art, From Art Basel Hong Kong to Yoshitomo Nara and Zeng Fanzhi

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

Best of the Best

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

Bombardier Global 7500

Here’s What It’s Like to Fly on the World’s Largest, Most Luxurious Business Jet

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.

boom supersonic

Boom’s Supersonic Jet Just Broke the Sound Barrier

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>



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<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>
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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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<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>



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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

By Jen Paolini and P.Ramakrishnan



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Living Well</h3>



Hong Kong continues to hold its position as one of the most prominent wealth hubs in the world, Knight Frank’s 2025 Wealth Report reveals, with one in every 176 individuals in the city estimated to hold a net worth of over US$10 million (HK$77.7 million). Among the affluent, luxury real estate remains a desirable asset; Knight Frank also reported that for Hong Kong real-estate transactions valued at more than US$10 million (HK$77.7 million), 132 luxury housing sales were recorded between Q2 2023 and Q1 2024, while 166 “super-prime” sales were achieved for 2024. Following the removal of property cooling measures, the primary and secondary residential market is set to experience a rebound. “Markets are at a turning point now following the slowdown in 2023,” says Victoria Allan, founder and director of real-estate agency Habitat Property. “People have been waiting to purchase, and now’s the time. Our clients are buying again for self-use; investors will soon follow.” Developers are also doubling down on attractive financing terms and incentive packages to encourage transactions and move stock. “In a year’s time, we’ll likely experience a shortage of supply, but right now, there are still choices available, especially for those looking for properties in Hong Kong with uncommon features that are not usually available on the market, like a home with a pool or a garden. Buyers can be more selective,” Allan shares. As wealth shifts from one generation to another, many still see investing in real estate as a major consideration. Knight Frank’s Next Generation Survey reveals that 29.8 per cent of respondents would choose to spend on property as a luxury asset, topping the list. But living large is no longer enough—homeowners also want to live well. 24 per cent of those surveyed place great significance on wellness and health, and that desire is seeping into their decision-making for choosing properties that reflect their personal values and way of life. “Buyers are really prioritising quality of life, so they want to have homes or developments that reflect that; they want air- and water-purification systems and access to the best fitness facilities,” says Georgina Atkinson, managing partner of real-estate advisory firm Origin Private Office. “Developers are having to respond to this by incorporating wellness-focused amenities into their projects from the outset, and there’s also a strong sense of encouraging community spaces for social interaction and relaxation. We still see [our next-generation clients] invest into traditional wealth-building assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, but they are really aligning their purchases with their personal values.” Brand loyalty is also a game-changing factor in the competitive landscape of branded residences. Consider the growing number of Mandarin Oriental Residences around the world, with a new Abu Dhabi development in the works. Four Seasons occupies a prominent place in this market, and a great number of Aman Residences will soon stud the globe. “Our clients from Asia especially gravitate towards brands because they trust a brand, and they know that particularly hospitality brands will deliver to a certain standard,” says Atkinson.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">VICTORIA PEAK </h3>



WHEELOCK PROPERTIES 1 Plantation Road



<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/pro1-1024x956.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796507" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro1-1024x956.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro1-300x280.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro1-768x717.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro1-1536x1435.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro1.jpg 1713w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Nestled within a stretch of verdant landscape with uninterrupted panoramic views of Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak, 1 Plantation Road stands as one of Wheelock Properties’ premier developments, featuring a bespoke collection of just 20 meticulously crafted residences. Each home is thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique preferences of its owners, boasting expansive gardens and interiors embellished with handpicked materials, thereby achieving a seamless balance between aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. Ricky Wong, managing director of Wheelock Properties, shares that “each home we build has its own identity. At 1 Plantation Road, no two houses are alike, as we recognise that discerning buyers seek unique residences reflecting their values: lifestyle, privacy, and harmony with their surroundings.” He emphasises sustainability as an important factor for the sophisticated clientele of today, citing it as the motivation behind the development’s use of advanced green building techniques, vertical vegetation, filtered water systems, and more. Even the private garages are crafted to evoke a sense of home. “When owners return, they are not welcomed by a cold, utilitarian concrete structure, but rather a warm, inviting space that embodies the essence of ‘home sweet home,’” Wong says. In every detail, 1 Plantation Road epitomises luxury living, intertwining modernity with ecological consciousness.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">QUEZON CITY </h3>



VICTOR CONSUNJI DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION M Residences Capitol Hills



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="858" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro2-1024x858.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796508" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro2-1024x858.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro2-300x251.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro2-768x644.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro2-1536x1287.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro2.jpg 1909w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



M Residences offers an exquisite collection of meticulously designed urban retreats, ensuring that every house seamlessly transforms into a cherished family home. Its Capitol Hills project, in Quezon City, perfectly embodies this ethos of fully customisable living. Some of the key elements that make M Residences stand out are the personalised interiors and different home styles offered to residents, alongside invaluable community amenities such as a recreational pool, clubhouse, function rooms, sunbeds, and shared lounge areas. At M Residences, the compact Aerin Corner townhouse provides functional elegance with its expansive open-plan living areas and soaring ceilings, making it the ideal sanctuary for newlyweds, downsizing empty nesters, or small families. Aerin’s flexible floor plan accommodates at least three bedrooms, with beautifully appointed spaces awaiting your personal touch—be it wider kitchen counters, tempered-glass stair railings, or an expanded rooftop room. Meanwhile, the multi-bedroom Elise features intelligently planned open spaces and functional amenities, with an adaptable layout for growing families. From spacious walk-in wardrobes to intimate gardens and sunlit balconies, every inch is maximised for privacy and comfort. Designed for larger families, with as many as seven bedrooms available, the Kiara residence boasts generous spaces ideal for living and entertaining, abundant storage, and striking floor-to-ceiling windows. Its flexible design accommodates evolving family needs, ensuring style and sophistication remain paramount. All townhouses are designed with a tropical touch, emphasising M Residences as a private urban oasis.



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



ANANDA DEVELOPMENT Porsche Design Tower Bangkok



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="697" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro4-1024x697.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796509" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro4-1024x697.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro4-300x204.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro4-768x523.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro4-1536x1046.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro4-2048x1394.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Porsche Design has joined forces with Ananda Development to introduce Asia’s first Porsche Design Tower in Bangkok, with an expected 2028 completion date. Following predecessors in Miami and Stuttgart, the project will be the third of its kind globally, with a prestigious address on the illustrious Sukhumvit thoroughfare. With the Porsche name attached to it, this state-of-the-art luxury residence is expected to feature cuttingedge design that answers the needs of its ultra-high-net-worth clients. 22 exclusive duplex and quadplex “sky villas,” priced between US$15 million and US$40 million (approximately HK$116.5 million and HK$310.9 million), are planned, and range in size from 525 to 1,135 square metres. It’s not just the space that will be impressive to investors looking for a Bangkok home—the facilities and technology imbued into the structure are remarkable as well. “Our vision is to create a living space where one’s passion thrives,” Stefan Büscher, chairman of the executive board of Porsche Lifestyle Group, shared in an official announcement, expressing his vision for the project. Merging exquisite aesthetics with optimal, modern functionality, the Porsche Design Tower Bangkok will feature integrated “Passion Spaces”—customisable luxury garages for residents to showcase their curated collection of wheels. Central to the architecture is the spiral “Loop” car ramp leading into the building, the exposed “X-Frame” pedestal structure serving as the entry experience, the “Crown” light signature at the top of the high-rise, as well as automated terrace systems blending indoor and outdoor living. Residents will also enjoy a plethora of luxurious shared spaces, including a 25-metre swimming pool, a spa, a business lounge, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Inside their own homes, tasteful furniture and materials enhance the opulent living experience.



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



ODIN PROPERTIES Odin Hills



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="852" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro3-1024x852.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796510" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro3-1024x852.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro3-300x250.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro3-768x639.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro3-1536x1278.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pro3.jpg 1923w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Located in the spectacular mountains of Niseko, Odin Hills epitomises the pinnacle of alpine luxury. It has achieved a remarkable degree of sales and success as a significant number of its residential plots have already been spoken for as we head to print—a testament to the strong market interest and the inherent appeal of this exceptional community. Aside from a collection of Japanese-European-inflected mountain-village developments—which owners can customise through their own appointed team, or construct following a set of design guidelines Odin Hills developed with award-winning architects such as Shigeru Ban—the community is further enhanced by a soon-to-come Clubhouse, serving as the heart of this prestigious enclave. Keiji Ashizawa’s “honest design” philosophy champions natural aesthetics for a seamless blend of functionality and beauty, offering residents a sanctuary of wellness and social amenities, including a spa, gym, pool, natural onsen, and thermal baths. Designs for the homes can feature multiple bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, open-plan living spaces, an entertainment room, as well as a private outdoor deck. Odin Properties, a design-driven property brand, champions “intelligent luxury,” prioritising experiential quality over mere prestige. Founded in 2007 by Bjorn Fjelddahl, Chris Fjelddahl, and Nicolas Gontard, Odin has revolutionised the luxury real-estate market in Niseko.

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The Best in Property 2025, From Victoria Peak and Bangkok to Niseko and Quezon City

When <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tom-dixon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Dixon</a> designs a sea-view villa, you know it’s not going to be your average beach cottage. Enter Aimasia, a nearly 10,000-square-foot love letter to <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mykonos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mykonos</a>, crafted with the renowned British designer’s signature flair and the finesse of <a href="https://a31.gr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A31 Architecture</a> founder Praxitelis Kondylis. Tucked into the rocky folds of Elia, the six-bedroom estate isn’t so much built on the land as it is at one with it—a swooping, Brutalist sculpture drenched in clear Greek sunlight. Now it can now be yours for a cool US$25 million (approximately HK$193.9 million).



“This villa isn’t just perched above Psarou Beach—it commands it,” says Nest Seekers International agent Amanda Lynn, who shares <a href="https://www.nestseekers.com/4098653/elia-mikonos-846-00-greece-villa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the listing</a> with colleague Efthalia Anastasiadou. “The views are cinematic, the architecture is breathtaking, and you’re steps from the most iconic beach clubs in the world. It’s the ultimate Mykonos experience&#8230; private, luxurious, and completely unforgettable.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0666.jpeg-1024x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797587" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0666.jpeg-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0666.jpeg-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0666.jpeg-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0666.jpeg-768x768.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0666.jpeg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 200-foot-long local stone wall forms part of the property. Image courtesy of Mike Kelley</figcaption></figure>



Dixon’s <a href="https://www.designresearchstudio.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Design Research Studio</a> (DRS) both juxtaposed and channelled the island’s rugged terrain into every inch of Aimasia. Think boulders repurposed as interior sculptures, a kitchen island of polished granite with softly curved edges, and plaster bed frames tinted with Mykonian soil. Sustainability isn’t an afterthought here either—it’s imbedded into the bones: from the low-carbon concrete and native green roof to smart cross-ventilation and energy-efficient systems. 



The villa is anchored—literally—by a roughly 200-foot-long granite wall, a remnant of the site that now serves as both structure and storytelling device. The wall slices through the home, guiding you from the open-air atrium to indoor living spaces, all wrapped in sliding glass and shadow play.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="830" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0674.jpeg-1024x830.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797588" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0674.jpeg-1024x830.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0674.jpeg-300x243.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0674.jpeg-768x623.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0674.jpeg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A dining area flows into an outdoor terrace and infinity pool.  Image courtesy of Mike Kelley</figcaption></figure>



Each of the six bedrooms is its own private haven. Two have private plunge pools, and a detached suite is notched into the hillside below the main house for maximum seclusion. But even indoors, the line between architecture and nature blurs. Stone, oak, and soil mingle with custom furniture, including some of Dixon’s most important pieces, like the S-Chair, which is included in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection, and experimental pieces made just for Aimasia—paper mâché totems, metal sculptures, and disk-like pendant lights that&nbsp;are artfully suspended over the kitchen.&nbsp;



And then there’s the view: the Aegean stretched out beyond an infinity pool. The outdoor living spaces—shaded terraces, a BBQ kitchen, and a dining pavilion—are primed for long lunches and slow sunsets. “Whether you’re throwing a legendary party or just escaping with friends, this villa is the kind of place people talk about long after summer ends,” Lynn adds. &nbsp;



Click&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/aimasia-villa-mykonos-photos-1236521249">here</a>&nbsp;to see more photos of Tom Dixon’s Mykonos villa.

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British Design Legend Tom Dixon Just Listed His Curvaceous Villa in Mykonos for HK$194 Million

As part of Hong Kong Luxury Week, Christie’s is set to showcase two exquisite pieces of jewellery—a 35.09-carat Kashmir sapphire and a 13.22-carat Burmese ruby ring—during the Magnificent Jewels live auction on 27 May 2025. Both items are from an important private collection and will appear on the dock for the first time in years.



First up, The Regent Kashmir, a remarkable sapphire, boasts an estimate of a jaw-dropping range: HK$65 million to HK$95 million. With its captivating “royal blue” hue, this gem is distinguished by its exceptional clarity and the rarity of its origin. As the most valuable piece of Kashmir sapphire jewellery offered by Christie’s globally in the past five years, it is anticipated to generate intense interest from collectors and connoisseurs alike. Its velvety appearance and historic significance render it a once-in-a-generation masterpiece.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="810" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/73934950-sp1_RGB-810x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797732" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/73934950-sp1_RGB-810x1024.jpg 810w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/73934950-sp1_RGB-237x300.jpg 237w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/73934950-sp1_RGB-768x971.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/73934950-sp1_RGB-1215x1536.jpg 1215w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/73934950-sp1_RGB.jpg 1266w" sizes="(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Regal Ruby.</figcaption></figure>



In tandem with The Regent Kashmir, The Regal Ruby is estimated to fetch HK$50 million to HK$80 million, and this 13.22-carat Burmese ruby ring is poised to be the largest and most valuable ruby sold at Christie’s in Hong Kong over the last decade. Unheated rubies of this size are exceedingly scarce, and The Regal Ruby is particularly noteworthy for its vivid colour and outstanding transparency. Its provenance and quality further ensure that it stands out as a natural treasure in the gemstone market.



Ronny Hsu, head of sales, jewellery at Christie’s Asia-Pacific—and one of the key speakers at the <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/robb-report-hong-kong-leaders-of-luxury-summit-gala-dinner-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024</a>—points out what makes these pieces so significant during an exclusive chat with Robb Report Hong Kong.“Both The Regent Kashmir and The Regal Ruby are exceptional for their extraordinary size and rarity. Sapphires of over 10 carats with the coveted ‘royal blue’ colour grading, as well as Burmese rubies exceeding five carats with no heat treatment, are incredibly rare and almost never seen in today’s market. These qualities firmly establish them as some of the most significant gemstones available today,” Hsu says, having seen the pieces up close with white-gloved hands. “The Regent Kashmir sapphire holds immense historical significance, as it originates from the legendary Kashmir mines, which were only in production for a brief five-year period between 1882 and 1887.”



Around the world, serious collectors keep an eye out for high-quality&nbsp;coloured&nbsp;gemstones with particular interest in sapphires that originate from Kashmir, Burma, and Ceylon; rubies from Burma; and, of course, emeralds from Colombia. “These natural treasures are not only celebrated for their beauty and rarity but also valued as timeless collectibles, driving strong interest among discerning collectors worldwide,” Hsu explains.



Presenting high-value pieces like these comes with its own set of challenges, especially in a volatile market. The exceptional nature of these gemstones generates significant excitement and anticipation, attracting serious bidders only. While market fluctuations can create uncertainty, the rarity and quality of these pieces typically shield them from broader economic trends, making them highly sought after by connoisseurs worldwide.



“Rare, exceptional, and high-quality&nbsp;coloured&nbsp;gemstones, as well as&nbsp;coloured&nbsp;diamonds, have seen increasing demand in recent years due to three factors: their natural scarcity, uniqueness, and enduring appeal,” says Hsu. “Collectors are drawn to these pieces not only for their intrinsic beauty but also for their ability to hold cultural and historical significance. Additionally, there is a growing appreciation for gemstones with distinguished provenance and quality.”&nbsp;



Complementing these remarkable pieces are other notable items in the auction, including a 10.35-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring, estimated to fetch between HK$6.8 million and HK$9.8 million, and a pair of Colombian emerald and diamond earrings weighing 7.03 and 6.92 carats, estimated at HK$5.5 million to HK$7.5 million. Rare pieces from famed jewellery houses—including Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, Van Cleef &amp; Arpels, and others—are also on offer as unique collections make an appearance on auction, often for the very first time. Hsu states, “We anticipate continued growth in this space, with coloured gemstones remaining a focal point for both seasoned collectors and new buyers seeking unique and timeless treasures.”



All images courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd 2025.

The Regal Ruby

The Regent Kashmir

Two Extraordinary Jewels Could Fetch Up to HK$95 Million and HK$80 Million at Christie’s Upcoming Auction

<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-daytona-history-1234730684/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex Daytonas</a> are famous for fetching top dollar at auction, but they do pop up season after season on the auction block and other secondary markets. What does not show up very often are unique custom-order Daytonas. On 11 May in Geneva, Sotheby’s will auction a singular platinum version of the coveted model with a light pink mother-of-pearl dial and diamond hour markers during its live <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2501?locale=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Important Watches sale</a>. Made as a special piece for one VIP collector, the watch is fresh to the market.



Unlike many other luxury watch companies, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a> isn’t known for producing custom orders. In fact, the Crown isn’t known for doing favours of any kind, so this particular piece is exceedingly rare. In a press statement, Sotheby’s head of watches, Benoît Colson, claims it is one of the most important Daytona examples to ever be offered at auction. “It is also an exceptional book ending to the sale of this extraordinary commission of four masterpieces, three of which have already found new homes through previous Sotheby’s sales,” he says. The watch is part of a single order of four custom Rolex watches created between 1998 and 1999 for the important collector. All four have the same reference number 16516, with the ending “6” referring to the platinum cases—made 15 years before Rolex ever made a platinum Daytona commercially available.



<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/Rolex-Cosmograph-Daytona-ref-16516-platinum-with-diamond-set-mother-of-pearl-dial-1998_est-700000-1400000-CHF_Sothebys-6.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797356" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Rolex-Cosmograph-Daytona-ref-16516-platinum-with-diamond-set-mother-of-pearl-dial-1998_est-700000-1400000-CHF_Sothebys-6.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Rolex-Cosmograph-Daytona-ref-16516-platinum-with-diamond-set-mother-of-pearl-dial-1998_est-700000-1400000-CHF_Sothebys-6.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Rolex-Cosmograph-Daytona-ref-16516-platinum-with-diamond-set-mother-of-pearl-dial-1998_est-700000-1400000-CHF_Sothebys-6.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Rolex-Cosmograph-Daytona-ref-16516-platinum-with-diamond-set-mother-of-pearl-dial-1998_est-700000-1400000-CHF_Sothebys-6.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex-daytona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex Daytona</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ref-16516/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ref. 16516</a>. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



The three pieces that sold at Sotheby’s before this current offering were as equally eye-catching as this mother-of-pearl version. The <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-hk0816/lot.2265.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first Ref. 16516 </a>to appear on the block also had a mother-of-pearl dial, but in a rainbow hue with Arabic numerals and small white indices replacing the 3, 6, and 9 hour markers; that iteration sold for US$872,100 (approximately HK$6.76 million) at Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Hong Kong. A Ref. 16516 with a <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16516-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lapis lazuli dial </a>and a turquoise strap from the collector popped up at the same sale two years later in 2020 and fetched HK$25,375,000 (approximately $3,270,287, according to exchange rates at the time). It was followed a year later at the same sale by a <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16516-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lacquered turquoise Stella dial model </a>with Arabic numerals and a brown leather strap, which sold in 2021 for HK$24,375,000 (approximately $3,138,562 according to exchange rates at the time).



<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/2025/04/RolexLead.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797357" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RolexLead.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RolexLead.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RolexLead.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RolexLead.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rolex Ref. 16516 models that previously sold at Sotheby’s. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



The identity of the collector remains a secret, but some have speculated that Patrick Heiniger,&nbsp;the CEO of Rolex from 1992 to 2008, commissioned the four unique Daytonas. If anyone were to have the power to order four singular versions of the model, it would certainly make sense that it was the former head honcho of the company. Heiniger passed away in Monaco in 2013 but was reportedly seen wearing a platinum Daytona during his lifetime.



Regardless, this is singular opportunity to own a unique Daytona. It is the last of the four to come up for sale and is the only version with diamond hour markers. It has an estimate of CHF 700,000 to CHF 1,400,000 (approximately US$858,830 to US$1,717,660/HK$6.66 million to HK$13.32 million). Based on its predecessors’ hammer prices, you can expect this timepiece to rake in well above its top estimate.

rolex daytona

A One-of-a-Kind Custom Rolex Daytona Could Fetch More Than HK$12.41 Million at Auction

This story is part of a series of features covering <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/culinary-masters-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025</a>, hosted at MGM COTAI in Macau on 7–8 June 2025.



Culinary Masters, an&nbsp;RR1 Signature Event, is set to return to Macau for a third consecutive year—with a novel twist. A highly anticipated celebration of gastronomy, the groundbreaking annual event promises an extraordinary journey of discovery, richly coloured with the artistry and dedication of some of East Asia’s most distinguished and celebrated chefs.&nbsp;



Under the theme “Flavors of Harmony: A Culinary Journey Through East Asia,” MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 will explore a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines like never before. Incorporating innovative techniques and global influences to create an immersive sensory experience spanning the finest dishes across the region presented by a cohort of master chefs, this event is set to be the hottest plate this summer. 



Honoured as the Culture City of East Asia for 2025, Macau is celebrating its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage through MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025, reflecting the rich tapestry of East Asian food culture, and promoting the theme of harmony between&nbsp;China, Japan, and South Korea through the jointly initiated “Culture City of East Asia” programme,&nbsp;the first such international cultural city designation event in Asia.



MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 aims to highlight the interconnectedness of these vibrant cultures through a spectacular showcase of their culinary traditions. Diplomacy might work during cocktails, but eternal friendships are made over meals—and Culinary Masters embodies the enduring bonds made over one exquisite plate after another.&nbsp;



“MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable event. Returning for its third year at the stunning MGM COTAI, this event is all about more than just great dining. Over the two days and one night, our special guests will interact with our Culinary Masters and enjoy interactive cooking demos and masterclasses,” says Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong.&nbsp;



“With a focus on both local and international culinary traditions, the event promises a rich, vibrant, special, and unrivalled experience. Our MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau events have been truly unforgettable experiences for our guests, filled with delicious dishes, expert-led workshops, and new friendships. Our guests have left with a lifetime of memories and new friendships. We look forward to continuing the tradition.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="700" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chao-Shang-Chao-Chaoyang-Executive-Chef-Cheung-Yat-Fung_RS2-700x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797906" style="width:844px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chao-Shang-Chao-Chaoyang-Executive-Chef-Cheung-Yat-Fung_RS2-700x1024.jpeg 700w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chao-Shang-Chao-Chaoyang-Executive-Chef-Cheung-Yat-Fung_RS2-205x300.jpeg 205w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chao-Shang-Chao-Chaoyang-Executive-Chef-Cheung-Yat-Fung_RS2-768x1123.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chao-Shang-Chao-Chaoyang-Executive-Chef-Cheung-Yat-Fung_RS2-1050x1536.jpeg 1050w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chao-Shang-Chao-Chaoyang-Executive-Chef-Cheung-Yat-Fung_RS2.jpeg 1064w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chef Cheung Yat-fung of Chao Shang Chao.</figcaption></figure>



Leading the culinary charge at this year’s Culinary Masters event is a formidable quartet of star-studded culinary giants, starting with&nbsp;Chao Shang Chao head chef Cheung Yat-fung. Under his stewardship, the exquisite restaurant in Beijing has earned three coveted Michelin stars, a testament to his mastery of Cantonese cuisine. Chef Cheung’s respected approach marries traditional techniques with modern culinary innovations, crafting dishes that celebrate the rich heritage and elegance of southern Chinese flavours. His esteemed reputation in fine dining has made him a pivotal figure in elevating Cantonese gastronomy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Mingoo-Kang-Profile5-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797903" style="width:768px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Mingoo-Kang-Profile5-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Mingoo-Kang-Profile5-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Mingoo-Kang-Profile5-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Mingoo-Kang-Profile5.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chef Kang Mingoo of Mingles.</figcaption></figure>



From South Korea,&nbsp;Mingles&nbsp;chef-owner&nbsp;Kang Mingoo&nbsp;brings his innovative spirit to MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025. His Seoul restaurant has garnered three Michelin stars, reflecting his ability to elevate Korean cuisine. By blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, Chef Kang has redefined haute cuisine in Korea, establishing Seoul as a global culinary hotspot. His dedication to perfection, including a focus on personalised service, has resulted in a dining experience that resonates deeply with local and international guests, many of whom are expected to fly in exclusively for the grand gala dinner.&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/2025/05/Hiroki_2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797905" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Hiroki_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Hiroki_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Hiroki_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Hiroki_2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Hiroki_2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chef Hiroki&nbsp;Nakanoue of Sushiyoshi.</figcaption></figure>



Joining them is&nbsp;Sushiyoshi&nbsp;chef-owner&nbsp;Hiroki&nbsp;Nakanoue, whose Osaka restaurant has attained two Michelin stars. His unique journey into the art of sushi-making is one for the books, as he inherited his family business without formal culinary training. Chef Hiroki nevertheless relentlessly pursued culinary excellence, transforming Sushiyoshi into a beacon of traditional Edomae sushi, enriched with modern gastronomic flair. His innovative approach to omakase offers diners a fresh and unexpected perspective on Japanese cuisine.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="684" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Pan-1-684x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797902" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Pan-1-684x1024.jpeg 684w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Pan-1-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Pan-1-768x1149.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Pan-1-1026x1536.jpeg 1026w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Pan-1.jpeg 1069w" sizes="(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chef Pan Sihui of Aji.</figcaption></figure>



Completing the illustrious lineup is&nbsp;Aji chef de cuisine Pan Sihui, who was recently awarded one Michelin star for his bold vision and palate. His unique “Asian Bistronomy” concept combines Asian flavours with French culinary artistry, designed to wow guests with a masterful presentation of contemporary East-meets-West gastronomy.



Guests are warmly invited to indulge in a two-day, one-night culinary extravaganza that includes an exclusive&nbsp;9-Michelin-Star Culinary Masters Gala Dinner&nbsp;as the gastronomic highlight, led by this year’s notable luminaries.&nbsp;Set in the majestic halls of MGM COTAI, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavours will take centre stage in a vibrant and harmonious celebration of culture and gastronomy, promising to awe, dazzle, and leave a lasting impression upon food lovers.&nbsp;Unforgettable connections, unbreakable bonds, and cherished memories will be formed through these unique, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences.



MGM COTAI, the famed and distinguished Macau resort, serves as the luxurious backdrop for MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025. Recognised with the Forbes Five-Star Award, the expansive hotel features world-class dining facilities, culture, and entertainment. Its stunning architecture, dynamic atrium, and captivating art collection provide an unparalleled setting for Culinary Masters, ensuring a remarkable experience for all attendees.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="753" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Yang-1-1024x753.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797901" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Yang-1-1024x753.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Yang-1-300x221.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Yang-1-768x565.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Yang-1-1536x1130.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Chef-Yang-1-2048x1507.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chef Yang Dengquan of Five Foot Road.</figcaption></figure>



Across two days, MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 will present an engaging itinerary that weaves together cultural and culinary threads, from intimate cooking classes and expert-led tastings to tai chi classes, a Macau shopping tour, entertainment programmes, and even a Sichuan-inspired brunch hosted by chef Yang Dengquan of one-Michelin-star Five Foot Road. Guests should not miss the long-awaited “Macau 2049” spectacle at MGM COTAI, a brand-new residency show by award-winning director Zhang Yimou that breaks ground with its pioneering integration of art and cutting-edge technology. His masterpiece reframes millennia-old Chinese culture through a modern lens, transcending and redefining the imagination of intangible cultural heritage arts and performing arts.



MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 will follow in the successful footsteps of two previous annual editions held in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the multi-day extravaganza, themed “The Flavours of Tomorrow: Savouring the Future,” exceeded all expectations thanks to a star-studded lineup of chefs which included Massimo Bottura of the acclaimed three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana, Yim Jungsik of three-Michelin-star Jungsik New York and two-Michelin-star Jungsik in Seoul, Shane Osborn of one-Michelin-star Arcane, Yang Dengquan of one-Michelin-star Five Foot Road at MGM COTAI, Homan Tsui of Imperial Court at MGM MACAU, and Palmira Pena of Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa in Macau.



2024 was the year of appreciating the wonders of history and heritage with the theme “Savour 700 Years of Silk Road Flavors: A Gastronomic Odyssey,” which honoured the extraordinary culinary traditions of the maritime and land routes of the Silk Road. Counting six collective Michelin stars among them, the exalted lineup of chefs included Garima Arora of two-Michelin-star Gaa in Bangkok, Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam of two-Michelin-star and Michelin-Green-star Baan Tepa in Bangkok, Yang Dengquan of one-Michelin-star Five Foot Road at MGM COTAI, Marco Galtarossa of one-Michelin-star Villa Elena in Bergamo, Sara Aqel of Dara Dining in Amman, and Florita Morais Alves of La Famiglia in Macau. Both events in 2023 and 2024 welcomed more than 100 guests each year to an unforgettable and thrilling culinary journey that forged powerful bonds between artisan and gastronome.



MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 is being constructed layer by layer to be an exquisite celebration of East Asian culinary artistry, forming a rich mosaic of flavours, traditions, and innovations. As past Culinary Masters events have shown, this year once again promises to be a highlight in the global culinary calendar, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to engage with some of the finest award-winning chefs in the world, all while enjoying the luxurious offerings of MGM COTAI and the vibrant culture of Macau.&nbsp;



For more delicious details, visit <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/culinary-masters-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rr1hongkong.com/culinary-masters-2025</a>.

Asia

Chefs

Culinary Journey

Culinary Masters

Culinary Masters 2025

Flavours of Harmony

Hong Kong

Macau

RR1 Hong Kong Culinary Masters Returns to Macau For 3rd Edition: Celebrating “Flavors of Harmony” on a Culinary Journey Through East Asia

In an era where health and wellness have transcended mere trends to become the most paramount of priorities, Don So, CEO of Humansa, stands at the forefront of this transformative, evolving movement.&nbsp;His latest endeavour seeks to revolutionise the way we approach health management,&nbsp;particularly in the vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong.&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;speaks with So to shed light on Humansa’s innovative approach, the philosophy underpinning its services, and the compelling reasons behind why the health industry is witnessing a significant shift.



So’s journey into health optimisation is rooted in a profound understanding of human needs, cultivated through years of experience in an altogether entirely different industry: wealth management. What he studied was human behaviour and patterns—a sociological study, as he articulates that “the traditional view of health as merely the absence of illness is not&nbsp;sufficient. We are entering an era where optimal health is not just desirable—it is essential.”



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It is this realisation that prompted So to create Humansa, a pioneering concept that merges healthcare with lifestyle, emphasising wellness optimisation and early intervention over reactive treatments.&nbsp;At Humansa, the philosophy is clear: health is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Humansa adopts a holistic view, addressing not just physical health but also emotional and mental well-being to create a comprehensive strategy that resonates with a growing demographic that seeks to enhance their quality of life, particularly as ageing and health issues become increasingly complex.&nbsp;Previous&nbsp;global events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, have served as a wake-up call for many, and the fragility of health has become alarmingly evident, prompting individuals to reassess their lifestyles and wellness practices.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Weixin-Image_20250424165842_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797952" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Weixin-Image_20250424165842_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Weixin-Image_20250424165842_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Weixin-Image_20250424165842_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Weixin-Image_20250424165842_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Weixin-Image_20250424165842_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



So notes that “the pandemic highlighted the necessity of a robust health system that prioritises prevention over cure. At Humansa, we aim to empower our clients to take charge of their health proactively. Our services are designed to help clients navigate the complexities of health optimisation. From comprehensive health assessments to tailored wellness plans, the company provides a suite of offerings that go beyond traditional healthcare.”&nbsp;



So emphasises the importance of education in this process, stating, “Health literacy is crucial. We guide our clients through the intricate landscape of health management, ensuring they understand their bodies and the best practices for maintaining optimal health.”



Humansa’s model is built on addressing&nbsp;three primary pain points: health literacy, fragmentation of services, and&nbsp;one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare.&nbsp;So explains, “Many individuals feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health information available and the myriad of specialists they need to consult. Our goal is to streamline this process, providing a one-stop solution. Going to one place for a gut consultant, another for diet, another to assess muscle density—you don’t need to run around. Let us streamline it.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_01_15_05.Still014-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795950" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_01_15_05.Still014-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_01_15_05.Still014-300x169.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_01_15_05.Still014-768x432.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_01_15_05.Still014-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_01_15_05.Still014-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Humansa employs a multidisciplinary team of experts, including nutritionists, physiotherapists,&nbsp;&nbsp;wellness coaches&nbsp;and many more&nbsp;who collaborate with each other to create bespoke health plans for each client. This integrated approach ensures that every aspect of a client’s well-being is considered, fostering a sense of community among members. “We believe that health is not just an individual journey; it is a collective experience,” So adds.



In a city known for its fast-paced lifestyle and high expectations, Humansa is not merely about offering high-end services; it is about creating an environment where clients feel valued and understood. So elaborates, “Luxury, to us, means enabling our clients to enjoy their lives fully. We provide the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to achieve that.”



Humansa’s facilities are designed to reflect this ethos, offering a serene and welcoming atmosphere where clients can engage in their wellness journeys. Its focus is on creating an experience that is enjoyable and transformative, moving away from the clinical feel often associated with traditional healthcare settings. “We want our clients to feel at home, to see their visits as a positive part of their lifestyle,” So remarks. Not a sight of sterile white, no aromas of medicated chemicals—everything is in warm hues of nature and nurture, a deliberate ploy to soothe the senses, not tense one’s faculties to feel that something’s wrong and it needs to be fixed. After all, this is a place of wellness, not illness.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_00_10_06.Still011-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795947" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_00_10_06.Still011-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_00_10_06.Still011-300x169.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_00_10_06.Still011-768x432.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_00_10_06.Still011-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Don-So-_-1st-cut.00_00_10_06.Still011-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As the health landscape evolves, so too does the technology that underpins it. Humansa leverages cutting-edge advancements in technology, including AI and data analytics, to offer personalised insights into clients’ health. So explains that “technology is a powerful ally in our quest for health optimisation. It allows us to gather data, track progress, and make informed decisions that enhance our clients’ well-being.”



The integration of technology not only improves the efficiency of services but also empowers clients to take an active role in their health management. Wearable devices, for instance, provide real-time data on various health metrics, enabling clients to monitor their progress and adjust their behaviours accordingly. “We provide the framework and expert guidance, but our clients are the ones who drive their own health journeys,” So asserts.



At the heart of Humansa’s philosophy is the belief in the power of community. So recognises that health optimisation is often more effective when pursued in a supportive environment. “We foster a sense of belonging among our members, creating opportunities for them to connect, share experiences, and motivate one another,” he explains. Workshops and social events help to cultivate a community that encourages personal growth. It’s like an elite private club with a sense of camaraderie that not only enhances the client experience but also contributes to better health outcomes. “When individuals feel supported, they are more likely to adhere to their wellness plans and achieve their goals,” So says.



Looking ahead, So envisions a future where Humansa continues to lead the charge in health optimisation across Asia and beyond. “Our mission is to redefine health management as a luxury experience that prioritises prevention, education, and community,” he states. As the company expands its reach, it aims to introduce its model to new markets, adapting its services to meet the unique needs of diverse populations. So’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is evident in every aspect of Humansa’s operations. From refining existing services to exploring new partnerships with leading health organisations, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on the health and wellness industry.



As individuals seek to enhance their quality of life and embrace a proactive approach to health, Humansa is uniquely positioned to guide them on this journey.&nbsp;As the timeless principle of prioritising proactive care over reactive treatment&nbsp;suggests, here’s the embodiment of it&nbsp;in a luxurious and sophisticated space. With a focus on optimisation well beyond health, and a sense of purpose and community, the future of health management is not just promising. With Humansa, it is transformative. 



All images by Chris Yau, shot exclusively for Robb Report Hong Kong.

Don So

health

Humansa

Leaders of Luxury

wellness

Humansa’s Don So on Redefining Well-Being in Asia and Health as a Lifelong Journey

Ultra-luxury takes the best to an even higher level than you didn’t hitherto expect. In fact, the recent inaugural Ultra by Private Luxury Events, suitably at Atlantis the Royal in Dubai, showed how some fabulous operations are already looking up and giving luxury travellers what they hadn’t anticipated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/atlantistheroyal-skyblazefountainfire-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797820" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/atlantistheroyal-skyblazefountainfire-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/atlantistheroyal-skyblazefountainfire-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/atlantistheroyal-skyblazefountainfire-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/atlantistheroyal-skyblazefountainfire-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/atlantistheroyal-skyblazefountainfire-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Atlantis the Royal in Dubai. Image courtesy of Atlantis the Royal</figcaption></figure>



Atlantis the Royal does just that. Its 17 dining, drinking, and entertaining venues include a beach-set Nobu with water features on the outdoor terraces. The 18-area Gastronomy includes a wall of help-yourself vignette dressings, and a 55,000-bottle winery. Up on the 22nd floor, appropriately named Cloud 22 includes an outdoor pool surrounded by lounging areas and bars. Some of the 795 rooms also have stunning Dubai high-rise or ocean rooms. Suite 32520 is one that, in addition to views, has a totally private outside pool—heated, glass-walled, and secret enough for skinny-dip swimming.



Privacy, authenticity, and service: these are the three words that dominate ultra-luxury. Why have aficionados long admired Kauri Cliffs, now Rosewood, in Matauri Bay in New Zealand? One reason is that the 26-room lodge sits in 6,000 acres of working-sheep-farm land. Oh, the privacy of space.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Walking-Tour-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797893" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Walking-Tour-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Walking-Tour-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Walking-Tour-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Walking-Tour-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Walking-Tour-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Walking-Tour-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



When it comes to authenticity, ultra-luxury warrants the real deal. At Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, for instance, offered experiences include curated walking in historic areas and learning about parts of the city that tourists generally don’t see. For instance, take in the Old Wan Chai Post Office, which operated from 1915 till 1992 before being repurposed as an Environmental Resource Centre (in 2024, it evolved again, to become the Know Carbon House to promote carbon neutrality in Hong Kong).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CapellaSydney_Aperture_5468_LR-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797867" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CapellaSydney_Aperture_5468_LR-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CapellaSydney_Aperture_5468_LR-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CapellaSydney_Aperture_5468_LR-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CapellaSydney_Aperture_5468_LR-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CapellaSydney_Aperture_5468_LR-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Capella Sydney</figcaption></figure>



Our highest-end travellers do like a bit of education, if it isn’t overdone. In Sydney, the Capella on Bridge Street is a conversion of two early-20th-century structures, the Department of Education and Department of Lands buildings. Capella Culturists—concierges who are more akin to tour guides—are on hand to share invaluable insights on the local central business district, neighbourhood, and to make restaurant and nightlife recommendations. Every visitor should experience BridgeClimb, the escorted walking ascent over the city’s Sydney Harbour Bridge. In addition, as in all Capella hotels, there’s a Living Room, which hosts a daily ritual for everyone to share in immersive storytelling.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifestyle-Sound-Healing-3-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797874" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifestyle-Sound-Healing-3-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifestyle-Sound-Healing-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifestyle-Sound-Healing-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifestyle-Sound-Healing-3-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifestyle-Sound-Healing-3-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sound healing remedies at Joali Being. Image courtesy of Joali Being</figcaption></figure>



Authenticity requires genuine well-being. In the Maldives, the two Joali properties have, between them, over 39 transformational disciplines. An expected lineup of Ayurvedic and TCM practitioners is complemented by naturopaths, nutritionists, sound healers, watsu therapists, herbalists, mind and body specialists, and energy healers, all contributing to what Joali calls the joy of weightlessness. Alongside this is the ESG that is also an integrated part of today’s ultra luxury—the company’s sustainability programme, Joy of Caring, includes such offerings as reef restoration and turtle rehabilitation. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CJA01216-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797877" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CJA01216-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CJA01216-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CJA01216-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CJA01216-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CJA01216-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ruinart pop-up at Joali Maldives. Image courtesy of Joali Maldives</figcaption></figure>



Add, too, the fact that Joali Maldives’ recent Ruinart beverage pop-up featured bottles with recycled second skins by New York-based English-French artist Sophie Kitching (she’s also partnered with Bulgari on its Serpenti range, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nassau’s The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Michelin-Starred-Man-Wah-Private-Dining-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797892" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Michelin-Starred-Man-Wah-Private-Dining-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Michelin-Starred-Man-Wah-Private-Dining-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Michelin-Starred-Man-Wah-Private-Dining-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Michelin-Starred-Man-Wah-Private-Dining-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mandarin-Oriental-Hong-Kong-Michelin-Starred-Man-Wah-Private-Dining-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



And finally, service. Well, we can all recognise interactions that are truly bespoke. A male globalist who always appreciates raspberries for his Champagne, a female counterpart who simply wants one empty pillowcase rather than six heavily-stuffed pillows (she’s trying to prevent yet another double chin)—it’s back to where we started. It’s service that ultimately raises the luxury level, and that’s why Greg Liddell, who runs Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, believes that enhancing traveller communication before arrival elevates anticipation and the stay.

Privacy, Authenticity, and Service Sets Ultra-Luxury Apart From the Rest: Report

Why yoga? It could be described “an ancient practice that aims to create union between body, mind, and spirit, and between the individual self and universal consciousness”—that’s what yogapedia.com says, but of course it’s biased. Non-afficionados might say it involves a rolled-up mat taking up too much space in the too-small closet of a hotel room. More universally appropriate, it is exercise that is dependent on breath control that is, in an increasingly frenetic world of technology, sure to calm and simultaneously elevate the ability to play, be tourist, and work. Yoga’s origins can be traced back over 5,000 years to texts mentioning exercises to clear physical and emotional obstacles in the body to free breath.



Without doubt there are many, many benefits of a yoga practice from a health and wellness perspective, says Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses. “Yoga makes you happier and brings you peace of mind—everything else is incremental.” All Six Senses properties offer complimentary classes, always accompanied by breathwork and meditation, and sometimes by aerial yoga, energy treatments, and yogic massage. Six Senses had always included yoga in its wellness offerings, but it really moved to the practice’s pole position in 2022 when it took over management of Veer Singh’s 84-room Vana Wellness Resort in Uttarakhand, India. Northern India has every right to claim ownership of yoga, and today, Rishikesh, skirting along the upper Ganges 25 miles below the confluence that forms the mighty Ganges, claims to be capital city of yoga.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Taj-Rishikesh-Resort-Spa-Uttarakhand-5-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797862" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Taj-Rishikesh-Resort-Spa-Uttarakhand-5-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Taj-Rishikesh-Resort-Spa-Uttarakhand-5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Taj-Rishikesh-Resort-Spa-Uttarakhand-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Taj-Rishikesh-Resort-Spa-Uttarakhand-5-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Taj-Rishikesh-Resort-Spa-Uttarakhand-5-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Taj Rishikesh Resort &amp; Spa in Uttarakhand. Image courtesy of Taj Rishikesh Resort &amp; Spa</figcaption></figure>



45 minutes’ drive from Rishikesh, the 74-room Taj Rishikesh Resort &amp; Spa has daily free, hour-long sessions at 8 am. One day there, I shared the yoga pavilion with an American crypto king now running lengthy pilgrimage tours, say from Stonehenge to Ephesus. We stretched and breathed and chanted and we, and the world, felt better. Eight hours later, we met up again, at afternoon tea, also complimentary for all hotel guests. With strategic views far down to the river, we drank masala chai, had our hands temporarily painted in henna, and our palms read. Spirituality means so many things.



Two other Taj-family Rishikesh properties should be mentioned. Six miles along from the Taj is Anand Kashi, a 24-roomer that is part of IHCL’s Seleqtions soft-brand. It was once the summer residence of the maharajas of Tehri Garhwal, whose main home is now Ananda in the Himalayas, which is another (non-Taj) wellness destination half an hour away (Anand Kashi is today part of the Forest Essentials’ portfolio. India’s leading beauty-toiletries brand is cleverly and strategically masterminded by former Standard Chartered banker Sam Bedi, son of Forest Essentials’ founder Mira Kulkarni, who was gifted the resort by the current maharaja of Tehri Garhwal). Anand Kashi’s uncovered yoga platform is the venue, every morning, for one of the most impactful male teachers on the circuit. He has an easily audible voice, he explains the benefits of each movement, and he ends each session with raucous laughing for a final clearance of the airwaves.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Pilibhit-House-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797861" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Pilibhit-House-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Pilibhit-House-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Pilibhit-House-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Pilibhit-House-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Pilibhit-House-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pilibhit House in Haridwar. Image courtesy of Pilibhit House</figcaption></figure>



On the other side of the Ganges, in Haridwar, is the 35-room Pilibhit House, literally cantilevered over the river (take 38 stone steps down from the open-air lobby right into the water, fabulously convenient for the sunset aarti ceremony that almost becomes another daily must, along with yoga, in this part of India). Pilibhit House, named for the region where the hotel’s four owning brothers come from, uses an outside contractor specialising in the yoga stretching that is particularly important for guests here. Note, by the way, that because of its proximity to four important temples to visit—all of which are well worth visiting—Pilibhit House is alcohol- and meat-free.

Hit Refresh With a Yoga-Focused Wellness Getaway at These 4 Stunning Hotels in India

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

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a>&nbsp;stans who’ve always wanted to learn how to race could now have their dreams come true.&nbsp; On Friday, the German marque unveiled a new “entry-level” track-only sports car called the M2&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/racing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Racing</a>, which promises relatively cheap thrills for track enthusiasts in a car that might remind buyers of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-2023-m2-1234833103/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW M cars of old</a>.



The new racer can be ordered in June and will get delivered in time for the 2026 season, BMW said, and will make 313 horsepower from its four-cylinder engine, sending that power through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. That is perhaps a concession to the M2 Racing’s entry-level aspirations, but the M2 Racing also only weighs 3,300 pounds, so its power-to-weight ratio is not all that different from a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2025-bmw-m2-more-power-revised-interior-1235653512/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regular M2</a>&nbsp;and its six-cylinder, 473 horsepower engine.



BMW <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-entry-level-race-car-m2-sports-car-1235822502/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first hinted at the new M2 Racing</a> last year. On Friday, the marque said the new BMW M2 Racing will start at €98,000, or around US$111,500 (approximately HK$864,780) at current exchange rates. That’s a significant premium over the base M2’s starting price of US$66,675 (approximately HK$517,120) in the US, though cheaper than many a track-only car. It’s somewhat rare to hear German automakers talk about their cars so explicitly in terms of price, and even rarer to them talk about saving money at the race track, but that’s exactly how BMW describes the M2 Racing.



<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/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797596" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-1536x865.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new BMW M2 Racing from the rear right.  Image courtesy of Agnieszka-Doroszewicz</figcaption></figure>



“Like its predecessors—the BMW M235i Racing, BMW M240i Racing, and BMW M2 CS Racing—the new BMW M2 Racing will redefine the entry-level segment,” Franciscus van Meel, BMW M’s CEO,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0449797EN/the-new-entry-level-model:-bmw-m-motorsport-presents-the-bmw-m2-racing" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>. “The car is affordable while offering racing teams and drivers uncompromising performance, durability, and pure driving pleasure. At BMW M Motorsport, supporting customer racing with cars that are easy to maintain, cost-efficient, and thrilling to drive is a top priority.”



The M2 Racing is built in Mexico, and comes stripped of many extracurriculars on the inside, but it’s equipped with racing necessities: a roll cage, fire suppression equipment, and a racing dashboard. Aerodynamics have also been modified for the track, and the brake-cooling system is made by BMW M. A speed limiter for pit lanes is included, and the M2 Racing will also only come in a single colour: white, which is all the better for private teams who want to add their own designs or sponsorship logos.



The M2 Racing provides a turnkey race-car experience for private teams or for private individuals who simply want to get in and go. After a while in the M2 Racing, you might even decide that it’s time to sink some real money into your track habit.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/new-bmw-m2-racing-photos-1236697611/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the new BMW M2 Racing.

race car

Track-only

BMW Just Unveiled a Track-Only Race Car for Beginners

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferrari</a>‘s first EV&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-ceo-confirms-first-ev-debut-1235777810/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is coming this fall</a>, likely in October, and, being an EV, won’t have any use for a manual transmission, though that isn’t stopping the automaker from possibly giving it gear-shifting abilities anyway.&nbsp;



Such a system would mimic a manual transmission and has been considered or is under development by automakers from Porsche to <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/honda-testing-manual-transmission-for-upcoming-evs-1235928219/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honda</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/toyota-gr-performance-ev-manual-transmission-1234857178/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toyota</a>, but Ferrari doing so would up the stakes for EVs, as happens when Ferrari does anything. Ferrari’s system, as described in patents <a href="https://www.motor1.com/news/757650/ferrari-ev-fake-shifting-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported by Motor1 on Thursday</a>, would have two components: paddle shifters on the steering wheel to change the torque output to the electric motor to simulate gear shifting, and a separate system to alter the car’s sounds as well, which can be customisable based on driver preferences, from anything to loud and aggressive to placid and “relaxed.” 



What that all sounds like is a car that replicates the current Ferrari driving experience. That experience is highly engineered for driver comfort and, more importantly, excitement, such that when driving the 986 hp plug-in hybrid SF90 Stradale, for example, drivers can cruise along comfortably as if in a Honda Civic or access all of that power with the stomp of one’s foot and the press of the paddle shifters.



<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/sf903.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797605" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sf903.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sf903.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sf903.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sf903.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ferrari’s plug-in hybrid SF90 Stradale. Bring a Trailer</figcaption></figure>



It is vital for Ferrari to give its drivers the option for excitement, in other words, even if many of its cars are fated to sit in garages or traffic in Monaco. In the EV era, that is perhaps a taller task, given that EVs have a much simpler powertrain than internal combustion engine cars, and require less driver input, but Ferrari has taken its time making its first EV because it still wants to provide some driving excitement and produce a car worthy of the name.



“People buy a Ferrari because when they buy a Ferrari, they have a lot of fun,” Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has said. “They don’t buy a Ferrari because A, B, C, D, or a single element. It’s a combination of things. When we do electric cars, we will produce them in the right way.”



Hence: synthetic gear shifting in its first EV, possibly, and also the interior sounds that suggest gear-shifting, and exterior sounds that&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-exec-says-first-ev-deliver-authentic-sound-1235650084/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will make a “roar.”</a> This is common for ICE cars, too, these days, though more important for an automaker such as Ferrari, which, above all, is trying to sell an experience, especially in its first EV.

Ferrari

Ferrari’s First EV Might Have Synthetic Gears

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/genesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gene</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/genesis/">sis</a>&nbsp;just kicked off the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/best-cars-new-york-auto-show-1235563221/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 New York International Auto Show</a>&nbsp;in spectacular style.



One year after pulling back the curtain on the dazzling&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-neolun-concept-preview-electric-flagship-suv-1235560385/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolun</a>&nbsp;at the same convention, the company has returned with an even more striking&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/concept/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concept</a>, the X Gran Equator. The marque’s first adventure vehicle prototype offers a glimpse of a future where you can overland in the utmost style and comfort.



Over its decade in business, Genesis has shown it can build a beautiful car, conceptual or otherwise. Still, with this latest design—which the brand says is meant to channel “Athletic Elegance”—it has taken things to a new level. The long-nosed SUV looks as futuristic as it does sophisticated, with its grille-less front fascia, smooth, sweeping lines, and split-opening tailgate. Rounding things out are a gigantic set of 24-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and a two-line lighting package that has&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-x-convertible-concept-trilogy-1234773807/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">become a trademark of the company’s concepts</a>.



<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/xequator06.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797348" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator06.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator06.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator06.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator06.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Genesis X Gran Equator Concept. Image courtesy of Genesis</figcaption></figure>



Genesis says the X Gran Equator is meant to signal its continued expansion into “lifestyle-oriented” vehicles. This can best be seen in the concept’s cabin. The visually arresting space mixes old and new, with the gigantic central touchscreen found in the brand’s production models replaced by smaller, vintage-style digital gauges and physical buttons. The interior is done up in a fetching two-tone colourway that pairs a rich navy blue with tan. There are several opulent details to remind you that you’re in a Genesis as well, like a four-panel sunroof and crystal ball shifter.  



Unfortunately, we don’t know what kind of powertrain is in the concept. The announcement is short on mechanical details, but the lack of a grille, along with the nature of most of the brand’s recent prototypes, suggests the X Gran Equator is probably all-electric. We do know that it does feature all-wheel drive, which isn’t a surprise since it is an adventure vehicle after all.



<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/xequator01.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797349" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator01.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator01.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator01.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/xequator01.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the X Gran Equator Concept. Image courtesy of Genesis</figcaption></figure>



So now to the big question: will you ever be able to drive the X Gran Equator? Genesis says the vehicle has not been “confirmed for production” but does say that it is meant to “showcase the brand’s future design potential.”



Regardless, you’ll be able to see the X Gran Equator in person in New York over the next few months. The concept will be parked at the marque’s booth at the New York Auto Show, which opens this Friday, after which it will be on display at the Genesis House in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District through the end of July.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-genesis-x-gran-equator-off-roading-concept-1236476732" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Genesis X Gran Equator concept.

Genesis

off-raoder

Genesis Just Unveiled a Stunning New Off-Roader

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

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-6 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.

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Chaumet

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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

Watches

Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive

<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/met-gala-watches-1235608832/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Another season of the Met Gala</a> got underway this evening with this year’s theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” centered around black dandyism and, as usual, the stars came out in their best eye-catching attire for the Costume Institute’s big event. And even though brooches have taken men’s style by storm on the red carpet these days, there were still plenty of timepiece moments to watch out for. There were a few surprises like Philadelphia Eagles running back, Saquon Barkley choosing an H. Moser &amp; Cie to wear with his Thom Browne suit or Colman Domingo debuting a yet-to-be-released Omega. And then, of course, there were the usual suspects wearing the kind of pieces one would easily spot across the room like Shaboozey in the turquoise dial 18-karat yellow gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Here are some of our favorite timepieces (and, in a few cases, looks) of the evening.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Trammell_Tillman.jpg-1-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797679" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Trammell_Tillman.jpg-1-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Trammell_Tillman.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Trammell_Tillman.jpg-1-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Trammell_Tillman.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images; Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tramell Tillman in Jaeger-LeCoultre</h2>



Best known, currently, for his role as Seth Milchick in Apple TV’s Severance, Trammell Tillman donned a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon in 18-karat pink gold. Like Saquon Barkley, he also chose a Thom Browne ensemble—again, one of the better looks of the evening. Like the sports star, he also chose a sophisticated timepiece with a tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Just like a true dandy, this Jaeger-LeCoultre is sleek, but a little cheeky.



<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-duoface-tourbillon-q392242j" rel="noreferrer noopener">BUY NOW: PRICE UPON REQUEST</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Saquon_Barkley.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797680" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Saquon_Barkley.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Saquon_Barkley.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Saquon_Barkley.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Saquon_Barkley.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images; H. Moser &amp;. Cie</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saquon Barkley in H. Moser &amp; Cie</h2>



Philadelphia Eagles running back, Saquon Barkley had one of the coolest watches of the night. The sports star made a sophisticated choice with the H. Moser &amp; Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack. It’s great to see an athlete supporting an independent watchmaker—especially when his choice is one of the stealthiest models in the brand’s lineup. He paired it with simple black Tuxedo by Thom Browne, which had all the hallmarks of the designer’s famously quirky proportions. Although the suit made Barkley look a little short despite his six-foot-tall frame, it was a clever and thoughtful choice just like his watch. After a sea of rather ridiculous looking ensembles during the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/nfl-draft-2025-best-watches-pictures-1236523614/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL draft</a>, it’s nice to see one of its established stars making more sophisticated choices.



<a href="https://h-moser.com/product/endeavour-tourbillon-vantablack-1805-1200/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BUY NOW: US$82,500</a>/HK$640,584



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Barry_Keoghan.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797681" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Barry_Keoghan.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Barry_Keoghan.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Barry_Keoghan.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Barry_Keoghan.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images; Omega</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barry Keoghan in Omega</h2>



Barry Keoghan is the toast of young Hollywood and like many of his fellow “it guys” he’s testing the waters with fashion. It doesn’t always work for him as tonight proved, but one thing that is thankfully consistent is his wrist game. The actor is a brand ambassador for Omega, so fortunately he always comes correct with his timekeepers. For this year’s Met Gala, he wore an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 42 mm in Moonshine Gold with a matching dial in the same material.



<a href="https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-professional-co-axial-master-chronometer-chronograph-42-mm-31060425099002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BUY NOW: US$47,200</a>/HK$366,491



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Colman_Domingo.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797682" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Colman_Domingo.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Colman_Domingo.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Colman_Domingo.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Colman_Domingo.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Colman Domingo in Omega</h2>



Colman Domingo had the biggest flex of the evening by wearing an unreleased Omega Speedmaster model that has not been publicly announced. According to a statement from the company: “The brand will not be revealing any details about the new watch until a later date.” Regardless, this watch teaser got rather lost in Domingo’s fashion-focused Valentino look. It’s safe to say, die-hard Omega Speedmaster fans might have missed this one.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WalterGoggins.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797683" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WalterGoggins.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WalterGoggins.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WalterGoggins.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WalterGoggins.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images; Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Walter Goggins in Vacheron Constantin</h2>



White Lotus&nbsp;star, Walter Goggins showed up in a fearless Thom Browne suit skirt and an equally fearless timepiece to match. On his wrist, he wore a 41 mm Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Complete Calendar in platinum. It’s the kind of watch that would be right at home on a&nbsp;White Lotus&nbsp;character, but perhaps more in line with Jason Isaacs’ character Timothy Ratliff than Goggins’ Rick Hatchett. It seemed like all the cool guys wore Thom Browne tonight, but it appears only one fella got to wear Vacheron, and a very excellent one at that.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JanelleMonae2.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797684" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JanelleMonae2.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JanelleMonae2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JanelleMonae2.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JanelleMonae2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Janelle Monae in Vacheron Constantin</h2>



It seemed like everyone was in Thom Browne at the Met Gala, but Janelle Monae has long been a fan of the designer, often wearing his elaborate ensembles on the red carpet. This time she paired one of his tailored suit skirt looks complete with a bowler hat with a monocole featuring a watch dial and a time- and date-only Vacheron Constantin Fifty Six. It ticked all the right boxes: dandy, costume, and fashion-forward.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Khaby_Lame.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797685" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Khaby_Lame.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Khaby_Lame.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Khaby_Lame.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Khaby_Lame.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Khaby Lame in pocket watches</h2>



Khaby Lame is a Senegalese-Italian influencer whose claim to fame, incredibly, is having the most followers on TikTok (@khaby.lame). Naturally, he came to be noticed and to stand out in a sea of watch peacocking, Lame wore not one watch, but a multitude of pocket watches on the gray vest of his ultra-stylish three-piece suit. This was one of our favorite translations of the evening’s dandy theme.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Pusha_T.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797686" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Pusha_T.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Pusha_T.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Pusha_T.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Pusha_T.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images; Rolex</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pusha T in Rolex</h2>



Rapper Pusha T paired his burgundy suit with sequins dripping down the shoulders and lapels with an equally colorful timekeeper. On his wrist was a coveted <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolexs-collectible-rainbow-daytona-in-everose-2791121/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex Cosmograph Daytona</a> in the crown’s proprietary Everose gold. A rare spotting in the red-carpet zoo, this is likely a watch he owns. It’s also a watch that fetches well into the six figures on the secondary market.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Shaboozey.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797687" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Shaboozey.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Shaboozey.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Shaboozey.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RR_20250505_Met_Gala_WJ_Shaboozey.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images; Wrist Aficionado</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shaboozey in Audemars Piguet</h2>



Turquoise beaded torso jewelry, a turquoise ring, a turquoise watch, and turquoise teeth! Shaboozey went wild for the color tonight. On his wrist was a 37 mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in yellow gold with a turquoise dial. The ultimate showpiece, this watch doesn’t just have a turquoise-colored dial, it’s actually made from the stone. This watch retailed for $61,500 in 2023, but now requires $8,400 more if you want to take it home. It’s a Royal Oak you don’t see on too many wrists in the wild. And you’ll likely only find it on the wildest of wrists.



<a href="https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15550BA.OO.1356BA.01.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BUY NOW: US$69,900</a>/HK$542,749



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AngelaBassett.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797690" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AngelaBassett.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AngelaBassett.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AngelaBassett.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AngelaBassett.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Getty Images; Glashütte</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Angela Bassett in Glashütte Original</h2>



What’s not to love about Angela Bassett rocking a mother-of-pearl dial Glashütte Original? The 32.5 mm Serenade Luna model sports a diamond bezel and hour markers and comes on a leather alligator strap. This marks the first time Glashütte has been worn on the Met Gala’s red carpet and for a rather small niche brand based in Germany, we’d say Bassett was a big-time win. It also pairs perfectly with her blue velvet jumptuit



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CalebMcLaughlin.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797691" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CalebMcLaughlin.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CalebMcLaughlin.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CalebMcLaughlin.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CalebMcLaughlin.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Caleb McLaughlin in Zenith</h2>



Stranger Things&nbsp;star, Caleb McLaughlin got the evening’s memo and did it right. OVer his baby blue velvet gloves he wore a boutique edition Zenith Defy Skyline. The 41 mm steel bracelet watch is a rather sporty choice for the evening but upon closer inspection its bezel is decked in sapphires. Besides, the mix of sporty with velvet gloves, brooches, and an orange accented lapel is full-on eccentric dandy in a way we totally can get behind.



<a href="https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_us/product/defy-skyline-16-9300-3620-51-i001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BUY NOW: HK$27,900</a>/HK$216,634<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>

Met Gala

From Saquon Barkley’s H. Moser &. Cie to Colman Domingo’s Omega: Notable Watches from This Year’s Met Gala

By all accounts,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/watches-wonders-2025-best-new-watches-1236430295/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches &amp; Wonders 2025</a>&nbsp;was one for the record books. And we mean that literally.



On Monday, the final day of the world’s largest horological trade show, the organizers announced that this year’s edition reached a new attendance benchmark, with over 55,000 <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/watches-and-wonders-best-dressed-1236445545/%3C/a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people visiting over the course of the week.</a>



A whopping 6,000 of those at the fair were dealers, the individuals whose work shapes which watches end up in which markets—and, ultimately, what ends up in your collection. For the most dedicated collectors, that’s a tall order, especially with an increasingly limited number of coveted watches available and serious enthusiasts focused on novelty more than ever before.



“People are really looking to fill gaps in their collections,” says Nick Boulle, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://deboulle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">de Boulle Diamond &amp; Jewelry</a>, which operates boutiques in Houston and Dallas. “I think someone who wants a smaller collection is looking for something that speaks to them. When you look at all of the different brands, they have to cater to the different occasions that people will wear watches to, because everything is a lifestyle.”



But what about their own lifestyles? Below, we asked a group of leading watch dealers about the standout timepieces of Watches and Wonders, and which ones they’re prepared to buy for themselves.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Nick_Emma_Boulle.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797615" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Nick_Emma_Boulle.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Nick_Emma_Boulle.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Nick_Emma_Boulle.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Nick_Emma_Boulle.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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Photo&nbsp;:&nbsp;Tudor, Laurent Ferrier, Patek Philippe, Rolex



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nick and Emma Boulle, de Boulle Diamond and Jewellery</h2>



Nick:&nbsp;“I think the fear right now is that we won’t get enough of everything we’ve seen, more than it is about what we’d want to buy. &nbsp; “If I was buying for myself, there’s a lot, I have to say. The meteorite Daytona struck me. I think that’s a great one. And then the Patek Ref. 5328 really jumped out. Additionally, Tudor Watches—the new Pelagos that goes to 1,000 meters with just that little detail of turquoise text on the dial is just amazing. And then another partner of ours, Laurent Ferrier, came out with an ice-blue dial that really caught my eye.” &nbsp; Emma:&nbsp;“I would say the new Ladies’ Nautilus with the turquoise dial. It’s stunning, the detail on that dial. It’s a great size. It wasn’t too big, it was not too small. And I like larger watches, but it was stunning on the wrist.” &nbsp; Nick:&nbsp;“It’s cool, too, because it’s a new color of blue. It’s not something I’ve seen from another brand yet.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Raphael_Gubelin.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797616" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Raphael_Gubelin.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Raphael_Gubelin.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Raphael_Gubelin.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Raphael_Gubelin.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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Photo&nbsp;:&nbsp;Patek Philippe, Chanel, Bulgari



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Raphael Gübelin, CEO, Gübelin Group</h2>



“I do have to say there were a few highlights, and one of them is definitely the Patek Philippe, the Ref. 5370R, beautiful rose gold, brown. I really love that. And they also had the Ref. 5326 blue, love that.   “The <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/chanel-j12-ceramic-watch-midnight-blue-1236353752/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chanel J12 Bleu</a>? Fabulous. It’s not shiny, it’s matte. Great, great. And also, Bulgari has a black Octo Finissimo, I also like that a lot.    “I probably would buy all of them that I was mentioning. But at the end, it’s always about availability. I saw the nice new <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/patek-philippe-debuts-cubitus-collection-watches-1235953276/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cubitus</a> in a slightly smaller version. I know they’re going to be doing very good—and I’m not going to have one of those, but I’m very happy if my customers have them, and I enjoy seeing them on the rest of my customers.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Rudy_Albers.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797617" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Rudy_Albers.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Rudy_Albers.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Rudy_Albers.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Rudy_Albers.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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Photo&nbsp;:&nbsp;Rolex, Patek Philippe



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rudy Albers, President, Wempe U.S.A.</h2>



“I had a great meeting with Patek Philippe and got to see their new pieces. They’re super exciting, fantastic finishing and complications. So that was great. I went to see Cartier. They certainly had some beautiful new creations there as well. So we’re making the rounds to take it all in. Of course, my phone’s been burning up for the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-land-dweller-most-significant-watch-1236445533/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex Land-Dweller</a>.   “I wish I could remember the new reference number of the Patek Philippe with the eight-day power reserve and the blue dial. That just floored me. I love blue. So that’s right up my alley.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Bryan_Govberg_2.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797618" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Bryan_Govberg_2.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Bryan_Govberg_2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Bryan_Govberg_2.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Bryan_Govberg_2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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Photo&nbsp;:&nbsp;Patek Philippe, Cartier



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brian Govberg, Global Sales Director, the 1916 Company</h2>



“The Ref. 6196P from Patek is a watch that, if I closed my eyes and had to imagine the best possible Calatrava, that would be it. And the second would be the new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/de-bethune-swizz-beatz-db-kind-of-two-gmt-season-1236383726/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swizz Beatz DeBethune Kind of Two GMT</a>, which is just an awesome watch. &nbsp; “I’m a very big fan of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/cartier-tank-a-guichets-revival-history-1236442899/" rel="noreferrer noopener">jump hour complication</a>, and I think that it’s a complication that’s not utilized nearly enough. Cartier just came out with a beautiful reference that incorporates this complication, and I would love to see more brands do the same.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Derek_Mon.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797619" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Derek_Mon.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Derek_Mon.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Derek_Mon.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Derek_Mon.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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Photo&nbsp;:&nbsp;Zenith, Cartier



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Derek Mon, Carat &amp; Co.</h2>



“I really like the new Cartier Tank Louis. It’s manual winding, and even though it’s a large size, it fits really well on the wrist. Specifically, it would fit great on my wrist, and that’s why I like it. &nbsp; “The other one that was intriguing to me was the Zenith GFJ Platinum watch. To me, that is Zenith going in the more independent watchmaking route with a stunning lapis lazuli dial with mother of pearl along with a full platinum case and bracelet. The size is awesome, and I haven’t seen that shade of blue done anywhere else all fair!”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Yoni_Ben_Yehuda.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797620" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Yoni_Ben_Yehuda.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Yoni_Ben_Yehuda.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Yoni_Ben_Yehuda.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Watches_and_Wonders_Retailers_Favorites_Yoni_Ben_Yehuda.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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Photo&nbsp;:&nbsp;Cartier, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Yoni Ben-Yehuda, Head of Watches, Audemars Piguet x Material Good</h2>



“We were just joking that this is a very expensive trip for me. But the three that stood out for me that I’m like, ‘Shut up and take my money,’ would be the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso on the Milanese bracelet and the rose gold with the tonal dial; the Andy Warhol Piaget, absolutely, especially with some customization to it; and the limited edition Cartier jump hour (<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/cartier-tank-a-guichets-revival-history-1236442899/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tank à Guichets</a>) in platinum. I think those are three of some of the most exciting pieces.



“I also really love the Moser stone dials, especially the pink. There’s so much. The worst version of me just gets paid in watches, and lives, like, under a bridge by the river.”

Cartier

Chanel

Patek Philippe

Watches and Wonders 2025

‘Shut Up and Take My Money’: The Best New Watches Dealers Want to Buy for Themselves

<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

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 Yachts 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 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 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

Luxury vessels

Megayacht

Ultra G

Ulyssia

Wally

Wallywhy150

The Best in Water 2025, From Gigayacht Kismet and Wally’s Wallywhy150 to 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

Steve Kozloff

Submarine

This Insane Submarine Concept Doubles as a 107-Foot Superyacht

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/pershing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pershing</a>’s sporty fleet just got a new member.



The Italian shipyard, part of the Ferretti Group, launched its first GTX70 from the port of Fano last week. The third model in the brand’s Sport Utility&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/yachts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yachts</a> range, the 72-footer offers up all the agility and space you’d expect from a Pershing—just in a slightly smaller package.



The GTX70 is the brainchild of Vallicelli Design, the Ferretti engineering department, and the group’s Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari’s son—which makes sense, given the yacht’s supercar-like exterior. With a nearly 18-foot beam, the launch is decked out in Pershing’s signature grey, with sweeping lines that can be seen across the exterior.



<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/pershinggtx70aerial.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796834" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pershing’s sporty GTX70 can hit a top speed of 35 knots. Image courtesy of Pershing</figcaption></figure>



That exterior (and interior) space is more extensive than other models of a similar length, Pershing says, and that can be seen especially in the beach area aft. On this first GTX70, the yard placed a sunpad on the transom; the space’s stern swim platform, besides being the perfect spot to launch your Jet Ski, comes with dual linear lift tech, which gives you more space to unwind by aligning the platform with the beach area. In total, the area spans about 248 square feet when the side terraces are open.



As for the sportbridge, the 172-square-foot space is divided into three zones: a spot for sunbathing, a dining area, and the helm station. This first GTX70 also comes with an electric bimini top, which can give you some much-needed shade in the helm and the dining area if you’ve spent too much time in the sun.



The main deck, meanwhile, has a sprawling, open layout. Here, the owners can enjoy a fully shaded cockpit, with a sofa and a table. Heading inside, the exterior and interior space are connected by the galley, much like on the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/pershing-new-gtx80-sport-yacht-1235486267/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GTX80</a>. The L-shaped sofas inside are done up in a dark nubuck leather, while the muted tones of the stairwell close by add contrast to the area.



Accommodations onboard, also crafted to optimise space, include three cabins and three en suite bathrooms on the lower deck. In terms of grunt, the GTX70 has three 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS12000, which helps bush the yacht to a top speed of 35 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.



As we mentioned, the GTX70 does share some similarities with the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/pershing-gtx80-yacht-1236011533/">G</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/pershing-gtx80-yacht-1236011533/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TX80</a>, which we checked out at the Cannes Yachting Festival last year. That weekend cruiser, a touch larger than Pershing’s newest launch, also has a spacious beach area and an open-concept main deck. After all, two sporty yachts are always better than one.

Ferretti Group

Pershing

Yacht

Pershing Just Launched Its New Sporty 72-Foot Yacht

This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRdt9F3RtIQ&amp;t=2s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> shows what it’s like to approach the mythical 54-knot (62.1 mph, 100 kmh) speed barrier, considered the supersonic barrier on the water, on an unpowered sailboat. At that speed, cavitation beneath the water begins to slow down any hull, and with no motor to push it through, the hull design is critical for moving beyond that hump. 



The team behind the rocket-like <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/sp80-sailboat-break-speed-record-1235060507/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SP80</a> foiler, which recently reached 51-plus knots (59.03 mph), plans to soon cross the magical 54-knot line on its way to beating the speed record of 65.45 knots (75.3 mph), set by Paul Larsen in 2012 aboard Vestas Sailrocket II.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="686" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-1024x686.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796892" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-1024x686.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-300x201.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-768x515.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The SP80 uses a giant sail kite (upper left of the image) for propulsion, requiring excessive wind and a smart hull design. Image courtesy of SP80</figcaption></figure>



“This run above 50 knots allowed us to finally observe the behaviour of our foil in a speed range that remains largely unexplored in the world of sailing,” said Benoît Gaudiot, kite pilot aboard the SP80 experimental raceboat. “We deliberately slowed the boat down just before reaching 52 knots as a precaution, but our analysis of the data indicates that it did not encounter any major barriers.”



The slender, 33-foot foiling trimaran, with sponsons on both sides and a small, protected cockpit for the pilot and a co-pilot, performs more like a kiteboard than a traditional sailing yacht. The team hopes to not only break Vestas Sailrocket II’s record, but shatter it since its boat has a theoretical top speed of 80 knots, or 92 mph. Hence the SP80 name.



<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/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796893" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benoît Gaudiot piloting the trimaran, keeping an eye on the kite sail and the waves.  Image courtesy of SP80</figcaption></figure>



Despite its sponsorship by Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille, the SP80 initiative is a shoestring startup launched nine years ago by three friends—Mayeul van den Broek, Xavier Lepercq, and Benoit Gaudiot—who decided to create a boat that would cross the seemingly uncrossable 80-knot mark. The team is using a proprietary—and yet unproven—design that pairs the massive kitesurfing sails with a carbon-fibre hull weighing just 330 pounds. The trimaran initially took more than two years and 40,000 hours to design, and it has since gone through several iterations.



Under the rules, the SP80 is not allowed to use the same type of electronics or lithium batteries to help adjust the sails as, say, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/americas-cup-f1-ocean-next-year-1235434383/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">America’s Cup</a> or <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/what-its-like-on-foiling-yacht-1234865806/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SailGP</a> foilers, even though, proportionally speaking, the SP80 is facing a much higher load on its sails. It’s only allowed to use wind power. As a result, it is testing in one of the world’s windiest stretches outside Leucate, France.



<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/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796894" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cofounders Lepercq, van den Broek, and Gaudiot show off the boat at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. Image courtesy of Laura Manon</figcaption></figure>



“The boat is now close to its full technical potential,” says SP80 pilot Mayeul van den Broek. “The challenge for Benoît and I now is to sail as much as possible to master the boatʼs behaviour from 0 to over 70 knots (130 km/h). We need to fine-tune our trajectories, improve our synchronisation, and push the machine even further.”



One mistake at these speeds could shatter the boat.



<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/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796895" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The current record holder, the Vestas Sailrocket II, used a very different sail technology in 2012.  Image courtesy of Vestus Sailrocket</figcaption></figure>



“The weather has not always been favourable, with winds often too light to accumulate significant sailing hours,” added van den Broek. “But with each outing, we can feel it—the logistics are running smoothly, the boat wants to go faster. All we need now is more time on the water to unleash its full potential.”



It hopes to reach that potential in the next few weeks.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the Swiss team has a French competitor,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/moonshoti-smash-sailing-speed-record-1234655312/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Syroco</a>, employing a kitesurfing sail that actually lifts the vessel above the water. But it will be tethered to the water by a long fin below the surface that serves as a sea anchor. That team plans to up the SP80’s ante by sailing just a hair faster, at 80.99 knots (or 93.2 mph).

super yacht

trimaran

This Trimaran Uses a Giant Kite to Hit Lightning-Fast Speeds, and It Could Break a Sailing Record

<a href="https://robbreport.com/feature/20-best-superyacht-shipyards-2835363/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nautor Swan</a>&nbsp;announced that it had formed a superyacht division for its iconic sailboats.&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sanlorenzo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sanlorenzo</a>&nbsp;Yachts, which acquired the Finnish sailboat builder last June, held a roundtable press conference aboard one of its superyachts at the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/palm-beach-international-boat-show-new-launches-2025-1236362830-1236362830/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palm Beach International Boat Show</a>&nbsp;to announce the new series.



The first vessel will be a 43-metre (141-foot) Maxi alloy sailing yacht, expected to be launched in 2028. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nautor-swan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nautor Swan</a> CEO Giovanni Pomati said the largest maxi sailing yacht they have is a 128-footer, which is scheduled to launch later this year. “As you can imagine, the owners of those kind of boats are looking for even bigger ones,” Pomati said at the press conference. Eventually, the brand will build a 56-metre (184-foot) vessel and a 65-metre-plus (213-foot) superyacht as part of the series.



The market for large <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sailing-superyachts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sailing superyachts</a> is a fraction of the motoryacht segment above 100 feet, with firms like <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/new-perini-navi-yachts-2820124/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perini Navi</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/royal-huisman-worlds-tallest-sailing-yacht-1235593085/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Huisman</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/baltic-yachts-first-catamaran-1235878141/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baltic Yachts</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/southern-wind-hybrid-sailing-yacht-gelliceaux-1235384254/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Wind</a>, each turning out one or two boats per year. Of course, the two largest-ever sailing yachts came from <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/worlds-largest-sailing-yachts-1236116901/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceanco</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/slideshow/best-of-the-best-top-7-yachts-of-the-year/2797055/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Pearl</a> and Jeff Bezos’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/jeff-bezos-koru-sailing-superyacht-1235852521/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Koru</a>. The new Nautor Swans will be built of an aluminium alloy, which requires specialised technology and knowledge that Nautor Swan will import from the Netherlands. The new superyachts will also be built at a facility near Sanlorenzo’s headquarters in Viareggio, Italy, which will also have its own technical centre. Pomati noted that Sanlorenzo’s much larger size and engineering capacity gives the project “financial and material synergies” to create the new line of maxi yachts.



<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/2025/04/RR_MV_032425_1.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796917" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_MV_032425_1.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_MV_032425_1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_MV_032425_1.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_MV_032425_1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first rendering of the new 43M Nautor Swan sailing superyacht. Image courtesy of Nautor Swan</figcaption></figure>



Sanlorenzo chairman Massimo Perotti noted that one of his powerboat brands, Bluegame, built and designed a hydrogen-powered tender for the US America’s Cup team, American Magic, which competed in last year’s event in Barcelona. “That was an important step for Swan,” said Perotti, noting that sustainability will be a mantra for the motoryacht builder going forward. Last year, it launched the world’s first 164-foot <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/sanlorenzo-launches-50steel-superyacht-1235622752/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50Steel Almax</a> motoryacht, incorporating a green-methanol fuel cell that powers its hotel load with zero carbon emissions. By 2028, it will have another superyacht powered by 80 per cent carbon-free methanol to propel the boat.



Nautor Swan also launched its first hybrid sailing yacht last summer, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/nautor-swan-launches-first-hybrid-sailing-yacht-1235591698/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swan 88</a>, which previewed at the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/monaco-yacht-show-2024-1235866205/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monaco Yacht Show</a>. In Palm Beach, Perotti also spoke about designing and building the “perfect sailboat” within the next five years, that will be powered only by wind and an electric generator in the lower decks that produces up to 50 KwH of energy. “That will be enough to power a 40-metre (131-foot) boat at eight knots,” he said. “It also puts us well on the road to being carbon-neutral by 2030.”



<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/2025/04/2.-JC-BM-6235.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796918" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-JC-BM-6235.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-JC-BM-6235.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-JC-BM-6235.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-JC-BM-6235.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sanlorenzo’s Massimo Perotti, Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati, Edmiston sailing superyacht expert Bruce Brakenhoff, and Edmiston CEO Jamie Edmiston have teamed up to launch the division. Image courtesy of Sanlorenzo</figcaption></figure>



But the purpose of the press conference was the new Swan Maxi alloy series. Pomati said the initial engineering has begun, and the team released an initial rendering that shows a long, slender vessel, but without much detail. Edmiston Yachts, which has sold more large sailing superyachts than any other brokerage firm, will also be part of the initiative. “We’re going to work very closely with Massimo and Giovanni to help innovate the product,” said Jamie Edmiston, the brand’s CEO. “We’ve got a reasonably good idea what we think is going to sell in the marketplace. And then we’re going to be very focused on the sales and marketing and putting the opportunities in front of the client base worldwide.”



Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design will design the new line.&nbsp;Antonio Santella, who launched Sanlorenzo’s superyacht division, will also oversee this new division. The sales and marketing office will be in Newport, Rhode Island, which many consider the historic home of competitive sailing. It has hosted many America’s Cup events since the first in 1930, and the New York Yacht Club, which sponsored American Magic, has its summer headquarters there. Bruce Brakenhoff, former president of Perini Navi USA, is now a broker at Edmiston and will lead the sales effort. “I am positive that we can do well with this new product,” said Brakenhoff at the press conference. “There is absolutely a hole in the marketplace.”



It’s a hole that this team plans to fill in the next five years.

Nautor Swan

Sanlorenzo Yachts

This New Line of Sailing Superyachts Will Be Made From an Aluminium Alloy