Our exclusive contacts at&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/sothebys/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sotheby’s</a>&nbsp;Maison hinted weeks ago at an undeniably surprising and curious exhibition at their elegant <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/sothebys-new-maison-landmark-chater-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong address</a>. When the curtains parted, the collective gasp was audible. Sotheby’s has unveiled its latest exhibit, Eros/Thanatos—Gesamtkunstwerk II, running from 13 to 26 September.



A remarkable showcase offering an immersive exploration of the dualities of human experience,&nbsp;Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;delves into the intricate dance between desire (Eros) and death (Thanatos) through diverse artistic mediums. A sequel to the recent success of&nbsp;Corpus—Three Millennia of the Human Body, which captivated audiences, this exhibition positions Sotheby’s Maison as the talk of the town, an epicentre of cultural engagement in the region.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801518" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Curated to ignite the imagination—some exhibits more provocative than others—Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;presents a meticulous selection of works spanning centuries and styles. Iconic artists such as Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jeff Koons are showcased alongside lesser-famed yet profoundly impactful figures.&nbsp;Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;invites visitors to journey through the depths of human emotion, illuminating themes of love, passion, transgression, and, ultimately, mortality. Here, art transcends mere aesthetic appreciation, becoming a vessel for profound reflection on life’s most complex questions as the pendulum swings high and wide, from the erogenous to the fatal.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Op0ReS3tc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicolas Chow</a>, chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, articulates the ambition behind the exhibition: “Since opening our doors last year, our aim has been to stage exhibitions that ignite wonder and elevate the experience of all who visit.” His curatorial approach draws on the rich tapestry of mythology, psychoanalysis, and art history, suggesting that the exploration of Eros and Thanatos is not merely an artistic showpiece but a fundamental aspect of the human condition set to spotlight.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801523" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The exhibition’s premise is masterfully underscored by an eclectic mix of artworks. From Bacon’s unsettling&nbsp;Version No. 2 of Lying Figure with Hypodermic Syringe&nbsp;to the ethereal beauty of Dalí’s&nbsp;Rose Meditative, each piece resonates with the tensions of existence, a mortal coil unravelled under the aegis of the famed auction house. Visitors will encounter not only celebrated modern and contemporary works but also Old Master paintings, ancient sculptures, and rare manuscripts, creating a Gesamtkunstwerk—an all-encompassing artistic experience. The juxtaposition of contemporary pieces with historical artefacts highlights the timelessness of these themes, a running thread inviting contemplation on how the human experience has evolved yet remains constant.



A standout work is Yoshitomo Nara’s&nbsp;Can’t Wait ‘til the Night Comes, featuring a mischievous girl with an ambiguous, vampiric smile. One of Nara’s largest and most significant works, this canvas reflects the artist’s nocturnal inspirations while embodying the playful yet dark themes of desire and fear. The exhibition also includes Zao Wou-ki’s&nbsp;12.02.2004—Vague rouge blanc bleu, a testament to the artist’s mastery of colour and form, created during a pivotal moment in his career.



The immersive experience is further enriched by a specially crafted soundtrack that complements the visual feast—a signature touch from Chow that we’ve come to appreciate. This auditory element transforms the exhibition space into a holistic environment, encouraging visitors to reflect deeply on the artworks. The resonance of music with visual art creates an emotional landscape that mirrors the complexities of Eros and Thanatos, amplifying the exhibition’s impact.



In addition to the main exhibition, Sotheby’s Maison is concurrently showcasing works from its upcoming Modern and Contemporary Art sales series, featuring luminaries such as Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein. These works will be on view from 22 to 28 September, just ahead of the highly anticipated Modern &amp; Contemporary Evening and Day Auctions on 28 and 29 September. This strategic overlap enriches the visitor experience and underscores Sotheby’s commitment to fostering a dynamic dialogue between past and present artistic expressions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="684" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-684x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801519" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-684x1024.jpeg 684w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-768x1151.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-1025x1536.jpeg 1025w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS.jpeg 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px" /></figure>



Jasmine Prasetio, managing director of Southeast Asia and interim head of modern and contemporary art, remarks, “We invite everyone to experience art from a fresh perspective through the&nbsp;Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;exhibition.” Her words highlight the significance of the dialogues created through the juxtaposition of diverse works.



An open invitation to engage with the elemental questions that define our existence—a mélange of desire, death, and dreams spliced together—this season, Sotheby’s Maison beckons one and all to explore the sublime contradictions of love, life, and mortality, reminding us that art, at its finest, is a mirror reflecting the myriad facets of our shared humanity.&nbsp;



For more information, log on to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/eros-thanatos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/eros-thanatos</a>.



All images courtesy of Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Auction

HK exhibit

Hong Kong

Sotheby's

Sotheby's Asia

Sotheby's Hong Kong

Death and Desire Converge at Sotheby’s Maison’s ‘Eros/Thanatos’ Exhibition

<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

rolex daytona

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

Aucitons

Best of the Best 2025

Design

Gear

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

If you’ve ever heard composer Johannes Brahms’s Violin Concerto in D Major, you may have already experienced the magic of the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius.&nbsp;



The world-famous violin is estimated to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York</a> next month where it’s estimated to fetch anywhere from US$12 million (approximately HK$93.32 million) to US$18 million (approximately HK$140 million), a sum that would break the record for the most expensive instrument ever sold, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-04/most-expensive-instrument-rare-stradivarius-violin-auction-could-break-record?srnd=phx-pursuits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> on Wednesday. The Lady Blunt Stradivarius, formerly owned by the granddaughter of British Romantic poet Lord Byron, had previously set the record for the highest price paid for a musical keepsake, fetching US$15.9 million (approximately HK$123.65 million) in 2011.



Legendary Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim owned the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, which was crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1714, in the 19th century. Joachim performed with the instrument at Brahms’s previously mentioned concerto in 1879, which today is considered one of the most famous and celebrated pieces of classical&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>&nbsp;ever played on a violin. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="745" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-12.jpg-1024x745.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793995" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-12.jpg-1024x745.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-12.jpg-300x218.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-12.jpg-768x559.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-12.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin could fetch a record US$18 million at <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auction</a>. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



“Stradivarius violins, with their depth and warmth, are regarded as the best instruments that Stradivari made, and Stradivari is the best of the best,” Mari-Claudia Jiménez, Sotheby’s chairman and president for the Americas and head of global business development, told Bloomberg.&nbsp;



Nearly 90 years later,&nbsp;the late Chinese-American musician Si-Hon Ma purchased the violin and used it all the way until his passing in 2009 at the age of 84. Before his death, he ended up donating the stringed instrument to his alma mater, the New England Conservatory (NEC). Now, the school has teamed up with the auction house to sell the instrument under Ma’s condition that all proceeds go toward supporting student scholarships. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793996" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Joachim-Ma-Stradivarius-.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The instrument was originally crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1714. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



“After years of individual use by our students, now, we can establish the largest named student scholarship program in the history of NEC, honouring our mission to educate and train the next generation of musicians,” said Andrea Kalyn, president of NEC, in a <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/pr-sothebys-unveils-the-legendary-joachim-ma-stradivarius.pdf?locale=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a>. “While it has been a privilege to have one of the world’s finest violins, this sale will be transformational for our students. It fulfils our responsibility to ensure a violin of this caliber is properly maintained and used as the concert instrument it was meant to be.” 



Ahead of the sale on 7 February during Sotheby’s Masters week, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius will be shown to the public for viewing at Sotheby’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hong-kong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong</a> locations.

Sotheby's New York

Stradivarius

Violin

A 300-Year-Old Stradivarius Violin Could Sell for a Record HK$140 Million at Auction

Sotheby’s had a record-setting weekend—four times over.



The auction house’s live watch sales in Geneva broke four world records, with two occurring in the Important <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/watches/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches</a> event and two coming in the Treasures of Time sale. In total, the two auctions combined for an impressive US$22.9 million (HK$178.2 million), with more than 27 per cent of the lots hammering down for more than their high estimate.



Two of the world records came for <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/sothebys-will-auction-a-31-piece-watch-collection-full-of-rare-patek-philippes-1235845907/lot-16-patek-philippe-first-series-reference-2499-pink-gold-perpetual-calendar-chronograph-moon-phases-and-wenger-case-est-2500000-5000000-chf-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patek Philippe timepieces</a>, some of the most coveted among collectors. A Ref. 1563—a yellow-gold split-second chronograph with luminous Breguet numerals and hands made in 1947—fetched US$3.8 million (HK$29.5 million). One of just three known examples of the reference, the watch includes the case of Patek’s 1463, but it was made larger to include the movement of the brand’s 1436. Then a Patek Ref. 2499 Black Dial hammered down for US$2.6 million (HK$20.2 million). That timepiece is the only known third-series 2499J (yellow gold) fitted with a black dial, and only six 2499s in total are known to have such a dial.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Geneva-Watch-Auction-Patek-Black.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793415" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Geneva-Watch-Auction-Patek-Black.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Geneva-Watch-Auction-Patek-Black-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/patek-philippe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patek Philippe</a> Ref. 2499 Black Dial. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



Elsewhere, a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cartier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cartier</a> London Tank “Oblique” was <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/shaped-watches-headed-to-auction-this-fall-from-rolex-to-patek-philippe-1235980414/lot_65_cartier_tank_oblique_yellow_gold_wristwatch_circa_1970_est_30000_60000_chf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auctioned off</a> for a record-breaking US$190,920 (HK$1.48 million). The yellow-gold watch from around 1970 features rare details from the jeweller’s London atelier, including a slimmer case with spring bars and screws between the lugs and no rail track on the dial. And a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a> Coin watch fetched US$95,460 (HK$742,955): Just 10 versions of the Rolex “50 Pesos” Ref. 3612 were made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Cordoba. The 39 mm case is shaped like a 50-peso gold coin, while the band is engraved with “Libertad—Independencia.”



“There is plenty of feel positive about the outcome of our live sales, not just the great overall total and the records, but knowing that discerning watch collectors will always be prepared to defend their bids to win outstanding lots, whether from independent or major watchmakers,” Mikael Wallhagen, Sotheby’s head of watches for Europe and the Middle East, said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Geneva-Watch-Auction-Cartier.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793414" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Geneva-Watch-Auction-Cartier.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Geneva-Watch-Auction-Cartier-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Cartier London Tank “Oblique.” Image courtesy of Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



Beyond the record-smashing results, the Sotheby’s Geneva sales point in a positive direction for the collecting market. The majority of bidders overall were under 50 years old, with 32 per cent under 40. Buyers in Europe made up 34 per cent of the sales, with those in the United States and Asia each responsible for 19 per cent of sales. Of those groups, an impressive 60 per cent were under the age of 50.

Cartier

Luxury watches

Patek Philippe

Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s Just Set 4 World Records at Its Geneva Watch Sales

There is a lot of excitement in the <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/young-wine-collectors-changing-market-oeno-files-1235832000/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine auction</a> arena this autumn, but one announcement in particular caught our attention: Sotheby’s is staging a sale of wine from <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/la-mission-haut-brion-40-vintages-by-domaine-clarence-dillon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Château La Mission Haut-Brion</a> featuring 40 vintages under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon plus wines from La Mission dating back to 1920. Set to take place in London on 7 November, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auction</a> also includes bottles from the renowned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/chateau-haut-brion-french-wine-2724582/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Château Quintus</a>, which has been owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon since 2011.



One of the most appealing aspects of this offering is that the bottles are coming directly from the wineries’ cellars. “When we look at provenance, ex-château sits right at the top of the list in terms of desirability,” says Nick Pegna, Sotheby’s global head of wine and spirits. “The wines are lying where they were made, have never moved, and come with a guarantee of quality from the estate. Quality of provenance does not get any better than this.”



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bordeaux/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bordeaux</a> lovers will be thrilled as they peruse the close to 700 lots available, which have a combined value in excess of US$1.3 million (HK$10.1 million). The sale includes all the different wines produced at the château over the past 100 years, including Châteaux Laville Haut-Brion, La Tour Haut-Brion, and La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion. The wines of La Mission Haut-Brion have long performed well at auction and the values of its older vintages tend to increase. “They are sold on tight allocation at release, so they tend to appreciate as mature bottles start to be consumed,” Pegna says. Bottles of Quintus’s highly regarded second wine, Le Dragon de Quintus, are up for sale as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RR_Mission_Haut_Brion_Auction.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792787" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RR_Mission_Haut_Brion_Auction.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RR_Mission_Haut_Brion_Auction-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Image courtesy of La Mission Haut-Brion</figcaption></figure>



There are 48 half bottles, 3,139 standard bottles, 877 magnums, 140 double magnums, four Jeraboams, 90 Imperials, and 24 Salamanzars that will hit the block. The auction is divided into two sections, the Clarence Dillon Era (1983 to 2022), with 646 lots, and the Pre-Clarence Dillon Era (lots 647–699). Among the highlights are two exciting experiences: the first is an opportunity to visit Châteaux La Mission Haut-Brion and Quintus, and the second is a dinner at the Michelin two-starred restaurant Le Clarence in Paris along with a tasting in La Cave du Château, the restaurant’s wine shop. A rare case featuring nine wines from the domaine’s three estates—including Château Haut-Brion—from the exceptional 2016 vintage is filled with one standard bottle each of each winery’s first and second wine, plus three magnums of the first wine from each estate.



Prince Robert of Luxembourg, chairman and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon, tells Robb Report that the bottles from the 1983 vintage of La Mission Haut-Brion hold special significance to him, as this was the first vintage produced by their team under the ownership of the Dillon family. When his mother, Joan Dillon, Duchess of Mouchy, and father, Prince Charles of Luxembourg, signed the purchase agreement for the estate in 1983, they arranged for the young prince to be excused from boarding school in England to attend the signing. The great-grandson of American financier Clarence Dillon, who acquired Château Haut-Brion in 1935, Prince Robert has worked with his family’s wine holdings since 1993.



“Important collectors are always thrilled to receive direct access to our limited library of wines,” Prince Robert says, reiterating the point that Pegna made about provenance. “These have rested undisturbed in our cellars since the day that they were bottled.” He also says that this is the first time that certain rare, limited-edition large-format bottles will be featured at auction and that as far as he knows it is only the second time that ex-château bottles of Château Quintus have been on the block. Although it can be difficult to part with a piece of one’s family legacy, Prince Robert is fully aware that wine is made to be enjoyed, not hidden away in the cellar of a château.

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Château Quintus

Investment

Luxury Wines

Sotheby’s Is Auctioning a Staggering Collection of Bordeaux Straight From the Wineries’ Cellars

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

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

The new age of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/space-tourism/">space tourism</a>&nbsp;hasn’t arrived quite yet.



Richard Branson’s <a href="https://www.virgingalactic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virgin Galactic</a> is delaying the launch of its <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/virgin-galactic-delta-spacecraft-first-flight-planned-1236263298/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">much-anticipated Delta spacecraft</a>, a vessel for both tourists and research opportunities to reach suborbital flight. The craft was set to debut in summer 2026 but is now slated for the fall of that year, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-06/virgin-galactic-spce-to-delay-first-spaceplane-flight-to-fall-2026?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a> reported.



The British American company has paused all commercial operations since June 2024 in anticipation of the Delta commercial flight’s launch next year, after which tourism trips will resume. The updated timeline follows quarterly financial results that fell short of analysts’ expectations.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/virgin-galactic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virgin Galactic</a> reported about US$410,000 (approximately HK$3,192,690.50) in revenue for the second quarter, slightly below the US$420,000 (around HK$3,270,561) forecasted by analysts polled by <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-06/virgin-galactic-spce-to-delay-first-spaceplane-flight-to-fall-2026?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a>. The company also reduced the size of its in-house engineering team and overall workforce by 7 percent as it fights to bring to market the upgraded Delta spaceplane.



While Virgin Galactic stock has been down roughly 35 percent for the year, shares rose 2.1 percent in US post market trading this week—a relief for investors who expected a greater loss per share of US$2.34 (HK$18.22) compared to the actual US$1.47 (HK$11.45) dip.



Prior to the halt in operations, Virgin Galactic had been selling seats on the Delta spacecraft for around US$600,000 (HK$4,672,230), and said it plans to raise prices when ticket sales resume at the start of 2026, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-06/virgin-galactic-spce-to-delay-first-spaceplane-flight-to-fall-2026?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a>.



The company’s current focus is on developing the upgraded spaceplane, which is being optimised for reusability and faster turnaround time between flights—perhaps an effort to compete with rival commercial space tech companies like Jeff Bezos’s <a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Origin LLC</a> or Elon Musk’s <a href="https://www.spacex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX</a>. In all cases, flights are sold as short trips to space for sightseeing or research.



Virgin Galactic told Bloomberg that it burned through roughly US$55 million (approximately HK$428.29 million) in cash during the second quarter, down from around US$79 million (HK$615.18 million) during the same period last year. It had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of US$508 million (around HK$3.96 billion) as of the end of June.



Hopefully, Virgin Galactic can unveil a groundbreaking Delta spaceplane next fall in the wake of ongoing delays. While it’s unclear what the availability and pricing of the commercial flights will be, one thing is certain: We can’t hop on just yet.

aviation concept

concept

space

Spaceplane

Virgin

virgin galactic

Virgin Galactic Is Delaying the Launch of Its Delta Spaceplane

<a href="https://www.tcsworldtravel.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">TCS World Travel</a>&nbsp;is taking the air cruise to new heights.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/slideshow/take-these-private-jet-trips-lifetime/tcs-world-travels-around-the-world-culinary-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle-based travel company</a> just unveiled its “most ambitious itinerary to date,” which will allow travellers to visit all seven continents in a month.



The 29-day itinerary, aptly named Seven Continents by&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/private-jet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Private Jet</a>, includes stops in 12 iconic destinations, from Machu Picchu, Peru, to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Travellers will also embark on some truly incredible experiences, such as walking the otherworldly ice tunnels of Antarctica, trekking across Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, and exploring the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo.



“Visiting all seven continents in a single journey has long been a dream for TCS World&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travel</a>, and now it’s a reality,” TCS president Shelley Cline said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801241" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The itinerary includes stops in Cairo and Luxor. Image courtesy of TCS World Travel</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/air-cruise-1235786817/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air cruises</a> have taken off in the past few years, with several firms now offering incredible <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/round-the-world-trip-plan-1235865827/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private jet expeditions</a> that enable high-fliers to live out Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days at a far greater pace. TCS has carried out 300 jet expeditions to more than 200 destinations over the past 30 years, but has never before offered a seven-continents-in-one adventure.



“Seven Continents is the pinnacle of global adventure—a bucket list experience delivered with comfort, ease, enriching cultural encounters, and the exceptional service our guests know they can expect,” Cline adds.



TCS has also teamed up with White Desert—one of the few companies with commercial jet access to the Antarctic interior—to bring jet-setters even closer to icy tundra. Guests will depart from Cape Town and land on a striking blue-ice runway, before spending a full day immersed in Antarctica’s untouched beauty. Parkas and Baffin boots will, of course, be provided to keep you nice and cosy. As the jaunt will take place during the Antarctic summer, you’ll enjoy 24 hours of sunlight, too.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801242" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travellers will take a trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania, which was not a part of previous Around the World Trips. Image courtesy of TCS World Travel</figcaption></figure>



That isn’t the only new experience TCS has added, either. Travellers will also have the opportunity to visit the spice markets and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania, and take a deeper, end-to-end dive into Africa. Overnight stays will take place at luxury hotels and resorts by One&amp;Only, Belmond, Four Seasons, &amp;Beyond, Raffles, and other hospitality heavyweights.



As for the plane itself, TCS has created a custom Airbus A321 with a spacious cabin that offers leather flatbed seats for up to 52 guests, large lavatories, and full-length mirrors. The aircraft is manned by a crew of 18, including a dedicated chef and an onboard physician, meaning fliers will be taken care of from takeoff to landing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801243" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests will be flown in a TCS-branded Airbus A321. Image courtesy of TCS World Travel</figcaption></figure>



The Seven Continents expedition costs US$205,000 (approximately HK$1.596 million) per person based on double occupancy. The itinerary is all-inclusive, with everything from private flights to ground transportation covered in the initial fee. Guests can also request optional suite upgrades.

TCS World Travel

Travel

This New Private Jet Expedition Lets You Explore All 7 Continents in 29 Days

It’s that splendid time of year again to embrace Mid-Autumn festivities in grand style. As the full moon ascends, casting a serene glow over the autumn night, the Mid-Autumn Festival invites families across Asia to gather in celebration, and this cherished occasion calls for indulgent feasts, heartfelt moments, and the warm embrace of tradition. In a remarkable fusion of culture and luxury, <a href="https://www.vistajet.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VistaJet</a> unveils an extraordinary mooncake and mixology experience designed to elevate this festive period to new heights—quite literally.



From 22 September to 7 October, VistaJet Members may savour an exclusive selection of artisanal mooncakes, crafted in collaboration with the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for selected departures in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore City. Signature cocktails and mocktails that pay homage to the vibrant spirit of key Asian cities will be curated to pair with the range of delicacies. With each sip and bite, passengers embark on a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary, transforming their in-flight experience into an unforgettable celebration of heritage and craftsmanship.



“With sophisticated cocktails for toasting, playful mocktails for children’s enjoyment, and decadent mooncakes for all, we ensure every passenger partakes in the festive spirit,” says Crystal Wong,&nbsp;president,&nbsp;Asia-Pacific.&nbsp;



VistaJet’s emphasis on inclusivity fosters a sense of togetherness high above the clouds, and members departing from major hubs in Asia will enjoy an exquisite selection of mooncakes, each paired with a beverage that encapsulates the essence of its respective city. In Hong Kong, for instance, the Torii cocktail offers a distinctive twist on the classic Negroni, featuring sweet potato&nbsp;shochu&nbsp;and the delicate, fruity aromas of lychee to mirror the tranquil beauty of Hong Kong, where nature and urban life coexist harmoniously.



In Shanghai, the Memory cocktail pays tribute to the city’s rich heritage, blending osmanthus-infused gin with mellow yellow rice wine. Accented by vanilla syrup and a hint of lemon, this layered concoction evokes the elegant charm of autumn evenings along the Bund, transporting passengers to the heart of the vibrant culture of Shanghai.



In Beijing, the Palace Turret cocktail captures the golden silhouette of the Forbidden City’s iconic towers at dusk. A harmonious blend of jasmine, peach, gin, and Champagne allows passengers to savour a taste steeped in six centuries of history. For those preferring a non-alcoholic option, the Kirin mocktail reflects the sophistication of the auspicious Chinese beast, combining layers of pineapple, mango, coconut, and lemon for a refreshing delight.



In Singapore, the Reclaimed Sling reimagines the city’s iconic gin-based cocktail, incorporating pomegranate and herbal liqueur for a smooth, flavourful sip that showcases the region’s culinary prowess. The Gao Lak mocktail, named after beloved roasted chestnuts, pays homage to childhood nostalgia and Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture with its rich blend of black-bean vinegar, water chestnut syrup, and non-alcoholic malt.



Beyond the curated cocktails and mooncakes, VistaJet Members can explore a selection of fine wines through the exclusive Wine in the Sky programme, ensuring every sip complements the exquisite in-flight dining experience. With access to a global network of over 7,000 suppliers, private chefs, and Michelin-starred restaurants, VistaJet guarantees a meticulously crafted culinary journey from take-off to landing.



For those eager to deepen their appreciation of mixology, VistaJet offers an exclusive workshop at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and&nbsp;Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Guided by expert mixologists, families can engage in an interactive session to uncover closely guarded recipes and master the art of crafting signature cocktails and mocktails, creating lasting memories and instilling a sense of pride in the art of mixology as families unite in Mid-Autumn celebrations.



As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, VistaJet stands poised to deliver an unparalleled experience that transcends convention. With guaranteed access to a fleet of over 270 aircraft, VistaJet Members can embark on the ultimate journey to reunite with loved ones amid the luxurious amenities and services that define the brand. For those seeking the pinnacle of comfort, the Global 7500—with four distinct living spaces, including an entertainment room and a permanent stateroom—offers an extraordinary setting for a memorable celebration.&nbsp;



VistaJet not only elevates the experience of flying this Mid-Autumn Festival but redefines it, allowing passengers to savour the rich tapestry of Asian culture and tradition at 45,000 feet. As the moon illuminates the night sky, let VistaJet guide you on a luxurious adventure through the firmament, capturing the spirit of togetherness in every unforgettable moment.



All images courtesy of VistaJet.

Reach For the Skies This Mid-Autumn Festival With VistaJet’s Luxurious Mooncake & Mixology Adventure

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/archer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archer</a> Aviation’s flagship air taxi just passed another major milestone on the road to launch.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-midnight-evtol-first-2024-certification-1234769778/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midnight eVTOL</a> has completed its first piloted test flight, according to a <a href="https://news.archer.com/archer-showcases-piloted-midnight-flight-as-it-advances-to-next-phase-of-flight-test-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> shared by the Silicon Valley firm on Monday. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-aviations-midnight-evtol-successful-transition-flight-1235654497/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five-person craft</a> notched more than<a href="https://news.archer.com/archer-surpasses-400-test-flights-this-year-achieving-company-milestone-four-months-ahead-of-schedule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 400 test flights</a> in 2024 alone, but this is the first time a pilot has been at the controls.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Midnight Piloted Flight with CTOL | Full Flight Video" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gmz5yjmeZQ8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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With Archer’s chief test pilot, Jeff Greenwood, at the helm, Midnight cruised at speeds up to 125 mph and reached a maximum altitude of over 1,500 feet. The craft also completed a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) rather than executing both vertically. Midnight already showcased a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) in the latter half of 2023.



“Flying Midnight felt just like flying the simulator—everything responded exactly as we trained for, which is exactly what you hope for during a test flight,” Greenwood said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800118" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg.webp 1200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Archer pilot Jeff Greenwood inside Midnight. Image courtesy of Archer Aviation</figcaption></figure>



Archer says government regulators and customers have stressed the importance of being able to take off and land both conventionally and vertically in Midnight. Having an aircraft that is capable of both results in greater operational flexibility and also increases safety, according to Archer.



“Midnight’s VTOL and CTOL capabilities are a strong differentiator for us as they are critical for delivering an aircraft that can integrate into a wide range of operational scenarios while also providing enhanced safety,” added Archer CEO and founder Adam Goldstein.



Equipped with 12 wing-mounted tilting propellers and six battery packs, Midnight will be able to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 150 mph. Weighing roughly 6,500 pounds, the aircraft will have a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds and can be charged in minutes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800116" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Midnight <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/evtol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eVTOL</a>. Image courtesy of Archer Aviation</figcaption></figure>



During the next phase of testing, Archer will focus on things like the control responsiveness and stability of Midnight. The firm is also working to get the aircraft certified and into commercial service in both the US and the UAE. The plan is to eventually launch an <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-first-electric-air-taxi-network-new-york-1236478225/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air-taxi network</a> in New York, providing fliers with the ability to zip from Manhattan to New York’s largest airports in five to 10 minutes for about US$200 (approximately HK$1,570). Rival eVTOL builder <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/joby-toyota-investment1235893105-1235893105/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joby Aviation</a> is also hoping to get its <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/joby-demonstrates-its-quiet-electric-mini-chopper-for-the-first-time-1234599351/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">S4 electric aircraft</a> flying around the Big Apple. The timing of Archer’s stateside rollout is still, well, up in the air, but the team expects to start a commercial service in Dubai by the end of this year. Stay tuned.

Air Taxi

Archer Aviation

Electric Air Taxi

eVTOL

Midnight eVTOL

test flights

This 5-Person Electric Air Taxi Just Completed Its First Piloted Flight

Over the past few weeks, whisky collectors, connoisseurs, and the curious have been part of a fine whisky experience, launched on a luxury yacht in Monaco, at an all-villa resort in Singapore, and at one of the swishest clubs in Hong Kong (where we at&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;were the only press invited to the event). How could we possibly say no?



Particularly to the familiar charms of James Mackay—no stranger to Hong Kong—who may have left our post-typhoon-Wipha-whipped shores years ago for the bucolic adventures of village life in Edinburgh, but the city’s gritty fibres remain in his arteries.



<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/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800422" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James Mackay.</figcaption></figure>



Mackay, a rare whisky and fine spirits specialist with three decades of independent consultancy and positions with industry leaders, is an easily recognised and award-winning figure. He once had a popular drinks column in Hong Kong when he was a resident. His in-depth features read like a friend explaining the glories of vine, wine, wood, and cask as he took more than a passing interest in the exquisite drinks that arrived in the city. He left some time ago but stayed in the news: In 2022, he was made a Keeper of the Quaich, a lifetime honour recognising outstanding contributions to the Scotch whisky industry, and in 2023, he became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.



But Hong Kong is like a habit he can’t break, so he returns with a bag of tricks and trinkets—or rather, what looks like a trunk fully furnished with armour, but within its protective, sponge-cast interior lies the rarest liquids of amber and gold. He wheels into view and unloads three of the finest whiskies known to cask and country. We sampled Macallan 1993 Artisan Cask, Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask, and “Ancient Alba” 1972 Artisan Cask while Mackay expounded the raison d’être of Artisan Casks and how it all came to be.



<a href="https://artisanal-spirits.com/artisan-casks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artisan Casks</a> was launched by the <a href="https://artisanal-spirits.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artisanal Spirits Company</a>, and it’s an exquisite new private cask programme that offers discerning individuals the opportunity to acquire a selection of exceptional, aged Scotch whisky casks, each with a story as rich as the liquid it holds. It is not about owning one bottle, but an entire fleet, and this initiative is not merely a purchasing opportunity—it is an invitation to immerse oneself in the intricate artistry and heritage of whisky, joining an elite club of like-minded individuals who prize exclusivity, experience, and erudition—well, not exactly in that order—and in having their name and indeed legacy imprinted for posterity, one bottle at a time. Apart from the art of procuring, there’s the F-word that doesn’t often percolate in the refined circles of connoisseurship: fun.



Owning these casks is, quite frankly, for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the one percent who are looking for something beyond a rare bottle at auction. Artisan Casks epitomises the artisanal spirit of whisky production, allowing connoisseurs to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this revered spirit. Each cask, aged a minimum of 20 years, is primed for immediate bottling but also offers the potential for further maturation, tailored to individual preferences in consultation with the company’s expert whisky-makers.



Each year, only a limited number of casks will be made available, with this inaugural selection featuring illustrious names such as Laphroaig, The Macallan, Mortlach, and Bowmore. Prices for these exquisite offerings range from £50,000 (approximately HK$530,615) to £600,000 (HK$6.36 million), reflecting the cask’s age, provenance, and size, ensuring that each acquisition is as unique as the whisky it contains.



<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="683" height="1024" data-id="1234800423" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800423" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234800424" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800424" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234800425" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800425" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" data-id="1234800426" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-682x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800426" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-768x1153.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-1023x1536.jpeg 1023w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS.jpeg 1066w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure>
</figure>



As mentioned, the programme was unveiled to a select audience at the Presidential Villa at Raffles on Sentosa in Singapore, marking the Asia launch after a spectacular debut aboard the 125-year-old classic sailing yacht,&nbsp;The Black Swan, in Monaco. For good measure, we had the exclusive first look under the aegis of Club Bâtard. Further events are slated for New York and Dubai, indicating global interest in this remarkable initiative.



At the helm of this innovative programme, Mackay, the newly appointed private client director for the Artisanal Spirits Company, brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as global private client director and head of rare &amp; exceptional spirits for Diageo. His expertise is instrumental in guiding clients through the unique journey of cask ownership without delving into the tedious notions of numbers, return-on-investment figures, pie charts, or graphs to indicate the fiscal state of the owner’s prized portfolio. What can be discussed is quality and rarity—value, not cost. “[Artisan Casks] unites the core elements that make single malt Scotch whisky extraordinary: authentic craftsmanship, technical artistry, and unwavering attention to detail,” he says, articulating the essence of Artisan Casks. “Owning a cask is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am eager to share with fellow enthusiasts.”



The Artisanal Spirits Company prides itself on the individuality of each cask, underscoring a commitment to superior cask management and an artisanal vision. Its dedication to nurturing each cask ensures that it reaches the zenith of its potential, with regular assessments and meticulous attention to the interplay between spirit and wood. Whisky-makers meticulously select and pair each spirit with the appropriate wood, regularly monitoring its maturation to maintain a harmonious balance, often sourcing casks from the finest cooperages and sherry bodegas, ensuring that no expense is spared in the pursuit of excellence.



Cask owners will be welcomed into an elite circle, sharing an appreciation for the finest craftsmanship and lavish experiences. Collaborations with the company’s esteemed partners will allow them privileged access to some of the most celebrated distilleries in Scotland, exclusive bottlings, and invitations to private events, all designed to deepen their connection to whisky culture. Over the past four decades, the Artisanal Spirits Company has sourced an exceptional assortment of casks from more than 100 renowned single malt Scotch whisky distilleries, curating and selling limited-edition whiskies that celebrate craftsmanship and heritage. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Scotland, each cask is matured with the singular aim of achieving peak quality at bottling and the bespoke approach to cask care necessitates an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and precision.



Among the Artisan Casks being showcased are: • The Macallan 1993 Artisan Cask No. #305118 • Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask No. #161217 • Laphroaig 1998 Artisan Cask No. #151785 • Caol Ila 1992 Artisan Cask No. #180965 • Highland Park 2005 Artisan Cask No. #160821 • Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask No. #304589 • Bunnahabhain 2004 Artisan Cask No. #903350 • Glen Grant 1994 Artisan Cask No. #305100



In addition to its cask programme, the Artisanal Spirits Company owns the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), further enhancing its capability to provide some of the world’s finest whisky experiences through its beautifully appointed clubhouses in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. Artisan Casks is an entry into the world of whisky craftsmanship, inviting aficionados to partake in an extraordinary journey of flavour, artistry, and heritage.



For more information, visit <a href="https://artisanal-spirits.com/artisan-casks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artisanal-spirits.com</a>.



All images courtesy of Artisan Casks.

Artisan Casks

Whisky

Artisan Casks Presents a Curated, Exclusive, and Exquisite New Era in Luxury Whisky Ownership

In a groundbreaking event for wine connoisseurs, Bonhams Hong Kong is set to unveil the first-ever Middle Eastern private wine collection at a live auction on 24 May 2025. Entitled&nbsp;The Oasis Collection, the headline auction showcases over 13,000 meticulously curated bottles, reflecting the refined palate and commitment to provenance of its unique collector. Accompanying this notable collection is&nbsp;The Vault of Legacies, another private collection that highlights the exceptional depth of an Asian collector’s acquisition.



The&nbsp;Oasis Collection&nbsp;represents a significant milestone in the global wine market, shedding light on the sophistication of the Middle East’s oenophile culture for the first time in the city. Each bottle has been stored under optimal conditions, thanks to the expertise of MMI, the exclusive fine wine importer in the region. Careful preservation ensures that the wines retain their integrity and quality, setting a new standard for private collections entering the scene.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798184" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spirits of Distinction Whisky &amp; Cognac Rarities</figcaption></figure>



Among the auction highlights are 10 vintages of the illustrious Château Pétrus, including a 2000 vintage estimated between HK$55,000 and HK$80,000, alongside a 1996 Magnum valued at HK$28,000 to HK$42,000. Additionally, there are 37 lots featuring the prestigious Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, with the Echézeaux 2002 Magnum estimated at HK$38,000 to HK$55,000, and the Richebourg 2015, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000.



The Vault of Legacies is a testament to decades of dedication by its Asian collector, who has sourced only the finest wines in pristine condition. It includes 43 lots from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and features other sought-after wines, such as d’Auvenay Mazis-Chambertin 1996 and Leroy Chambertin 2001, complemented by an impressive selection of Italian wines, notably Gianfranco Soldera and Masseto, adding further depth to the offerings.



In addition to the live auction, Bonhams will hold an online sale,&nbsp;The Oasis Collection &amp; Grand Cru Collective, from now till 27 May, providing enthusiasts with additional opportunities to acquire rare wines. Its online auction will feature a diverse selection, ensuring that collectors can engage with the collection from anywhere in the world.



<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="819" height="1024" data-id="1234798054" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798054" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" data-id="1234798053" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798053" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
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For spirits aficionados, Bonhams will also present the&nbsp;Spirits of Distinction: Whisky &amp; Cognac Rarities auction, running from 16 to 27 May. It will showcase rare Japanese whiskies, including the coveted Hanyu Ichiro Malt “Four Aces.” Estimated between HK$360,000 and HK$550,000, this limited release reflects the distillery’s artisanal craftsmanship and the rarity of its casks, ceasing production in 2000.&nbsp;



Collectors can further explore a selection of high-age-statement Scotch whiskies, highlighted by Brora’s 40-Year-Old, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000. Cognac enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as the also auction features the Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl, a rare blend crafted from one of the oldest casks in the house’s reserve. It is expected to fetch a sum between HK$90,000 and HK$140,000.



As Bonhams continues to elevate its offerings in such high spirits, the debut of The&nbsp;Oasis Collection&nbsp;marks a key moment for the auction house and the fine wine market in Asia. With an impressive array of wines and spirits, the auction promises to be a highly anticipated event for the city’s collectors, curators, and epicureans, celebrating the growing sophistication and global reach of wine culture in the region.



All images courtesy of Bonhams Hong Kong.

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A Rare Middle Eastern Private Wine Collection Featuring Pétrus and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Vintages Is Heading to Auction at Bonhams Hong Kong

Giuseppe <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cipriani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cipriani</a> is betting that Uruguay’s Punta del Este—long a secluded playground for A-listers from Shakira and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/leonardo-dicaprio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leonardo DiCaprio</a>—is ready for an upgrade. The hospitality magnate has launched US sales for Cipriani Punta del Este Resort, Residences &amp; Casino, a US$600 million (approximately HK$4.66 billion) oceanfront development representing the largest investment in the city’s history. Robb Report has the exclusive on the launch, providing American buyers first access to one of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/south-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South America</a>’s most ambitious luxury residential projects.



Designed by the late Uruguayan-born architect Rafael Viñoly, the spread will include three towers along the coast, including South America’s second-tallest. Phase one, set for completion in 2026, will introduce a Monte Carlo-style casino, upscale dining and entertainment venues, a 27,000-square-foot event space, and a private beach club. The historic San Rafael Hotel, a local landmark, will also undergo a reconstruction as part of the resort. The first residential tower scheduled for delivery in 2028.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802930" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There will be a Cipriani restaurant on-site. Image courtesy of Vinoly Architects</figcaption></figure>



Punta del Este, often likened to a blend of Hamptons exclusivity and Miami Beach-style high rises, has long drawn the continent’s wealthy with its sun, privacy, and political stability. In the wake of the pandemic, the city has seen a surge of international buyers—from the US, Europe, and across South America—attracted by favourable tax policies and Uruguay’s growing reputation as an investor-friendly haven amid widespread economic uncertainty.



International interest has been strong. One of the three penthouses within the development has <a href="https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2025/01/24/cipriani-sells-us17-million-penthouse-in-punta-del-este-luxury-complex-as-construction-advances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">already sold for US$17.1 million</a> (approximately HK$132.95 million) to a European buyer, signalling demand for Cipriani’s combination of design, location, and brand heritage. US buyers now have the opportunity to purchase residences starting at US$1.9 million (approximately HK$14.76 million), marking the first time Cipriani Punta del Este has opened its doors to the American market.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802929" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Residences will start at US$1.9 million. Image courtesy of Hassen Balut Studio</figcaption></figure>



The residences were conceived by interior architect Hassen Balut. Units are designed to maximise ocean views, with 11-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that frame panoramas of Playa Brava and Playa Mansa. The half- and full-floor homes also feature scenic private terraces. Each residence includes custom kitchens with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, Neolith countertops, Italian cabinetry, backlit mirrors, and smart interfaces controlling concierge, valet, and security services. You can also expect marble floors throughout the kitchens and bathrooms.



The Cipriani brand brings nearly a century of history to the project. Founded in 1931 with the opening of Harry’s Bar in Venice, the family-owned company has since expanded into residential and luxury hotels, private membership clubs, and resorts globally, including<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/home-design/cipriani-residences-in-miami-1234740139/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cipriani Residences in Miami</a>. The US sales launch marks a new chapter for Punta del Este, connecting American buyers with one of South America’s most prominent luxury coastal developments and cementing Cipriani’s footprint in the region.



Click&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/gallery/cipriani-punta-del-este-photos-1237321904">here</a>&nbsp;to see more photos of these new residences in Uruguay.

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Cipriani’s Uruguay Residences Are Now Up For Grabs at HK$14.76 Million a Pop

An extraordinary evening awaits the most discerning palates on 22 October 2025. In partnership with the venerable whisky specialist <a href="https://www.gordonandmacphail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon &amp; Ma</a><a href="https://www.gordonandmacphail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cPhail</a>, Robb Report Hong Kong is hosting a by-invitation-only dinner for RR1 Hong Kong members and VIP guests to embark on a profound odyssey into the artistry of whisky maturation. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Gordon &amp; MacPhail | The World&#039;s Oldest Single Malt Scotch Whisky" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6KtkTxwqELk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Held at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Petrus, the special evening promises an exceptional encounter with the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/oldest-scotch-whisky-gordon-macphail-glenlivet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old</a>—a masterpiece hailed as the oldest single malt Scotch whisky, a liquid testament to patience, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Gordon &amp; MacPhail stands as a titan in the realm of Scotch whisky, a brand whose legacy spans 130 years and commands reverence among connoisseurs worldwide. Founded in 1895 in the Speyside heartland of Elgin, Scotland, this independent bottler and distiller has elevated the art of whisky to sublime heights. What sets Gordon &amp; MacPhail apart is its unwavering commitment to maturation—casks are procured from distilleries across Scotland and diligently nurtured, allowing time to weave its magic far beyond the haste of commercial production. Its portfolio boasts some of the rarest expressions ever released, including vintages that whisper tales of bygone eras.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801772" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jeanne Gang with Decanter, Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.</figcaption></figure>



Acclaimed for its expertise in cask selection and blending, Gordon &amp; MacPhail owns the Benromach distillery, where the brand revives traditional methods to produce whiskies of exceptional depth and character. It is this dedication to quality over quantity that has earned Gordon &amp; MacPhail a reputation as guardians of Scotch heritage, with releases often fetching astronomical sums at auction. In an industry dominated by giants, Gordon &amp; MacPhail proves that true greatness lies in the slow, deliberate embrace of nature’s rhythms.&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/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801775" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jeanne Gang sketching at Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.</figcaption></figure>



Robb Report Hong Kong’s private dinner embodies that ethos, transforming a simple repast into a celebration of sensory indulgence. Under the guidance of Restaurant Petrus’s masterful chefs, a curated menu will harmonise with the evening’s liquid stars, each dish crafted to accentuate the nuanced profiles of the whiskies on offer. Guests will embark on a tasting journey beginning with Gordon &amp; MacPhail vintages. Drawn from casks that have slumbered for decades, these drams offer glimpses into whisky evolution—notes of rich oak, subtle spices, and ethereal fruits that dance on the tongue like forgotten memories revived.



Yet the true crescendo arrives with the unveiling of the Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old. Distilled in 1940 at the Glenlivet and bottled in 2025 after an astonishing 85 years in a single cask, this whisky is a rarity without parallel. Only 125 decanters exist, each a bespoke creation born from a collaboration with the celebrated American architect and designer Jeanne Gang. Her visionary touch infuses the presentation with architectural poetry: crystal decanters that evoke the fluidity of time and the strength of nature, housed in cases that blend modern minimalism with organic forms. It’s an a homage to the inexorable forces that shape excellence—the whisper of wind through Highland glens, the patient seep of wood into liquid gold, and the human artistry that shepherds it to perfection.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801771" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stephen Rankin, Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery. </figcaption></figure>



For the fortunate invitees, this is an opportunity to partake in history and savour a dram that encapsulates nearly a century of quiet transformation. In a world of fleeting trends, such occasions remind us of the enduring value of heritage, where every sip is a bridge to the past and a toast to the future. It’s the perfect time to raise glasses to the artistry of Gordon &amp; MacPhail, celebrating a legacy that continues to redefine the boundaries of Scotch whisky. In this intimate setting, time stands still, allowing the essence of 85 years to unfold in a single, transcendent taste. Such evenings are the stuff of legends, reserved for those who seek not just indulgence, but enlightenment of the senses.



Learn more about the Gordon &amp; MacPhail dinner in Hong Kong&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/gordon-macphail-dinner-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 



All images courtesy of Gordon &amp; MacPhail.

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Gordon & MacPhail Unveils World’s Oldest Whisky at an Exclusive Robb Report Hong Kong Dinner For RR1 Hong Kong Members

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Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition: Recognising Our Special Guests

It’s been a huge year for <a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/aman/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aman</a>, with new <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/aman-rosa-alpina-hotel-italian-dolomites-opening" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">openings</a> and <a href="https://www.aman.com/new-developments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announcements</a> galore to keep the travel schedules of its devoted “Aman Junkies” busy, but the hotel group is far from done, especially when it comes to expanding across Southeast Asia—the birthplace of the brand.



In a move that brings the hotel group to even more urban centres of the world, Singapore will soon receive a lion’s share of “Aman magic” with the opening of <a href="https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aman Singapore</a>. Comprising a hotel, branded residences, and a global private members’ club—a concept first introduced at the New York property in 2022—Aman Singapore will reside within the forthcoming Skywaters skyscraper in the Central Business District, soon to be the tallest building in Singapore. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801710" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Living area of Aman Residences, Singapore.</figcaption></figure>



Aman Singapore will join Aman’s growing portfolio of cosmopolitan properties, closely followed by launches in global cities such as Dubai, Miami, and Beverly Hills—a dramatic shift from the remote, nature-driven resorts that have long been considered the hallmarks of the brand. With Aman Singapore, the hotel group continues to test the theory that its blueprint for elevated, personalised hospitality can flourish anywhere.



Kerry Hill Architects—no stranger to the aesthetic of the Aman brand, having been involved in the planning and design of numerous properties in the past, present, and foreseeable future—has been tapped to bring Aman’s instantly recognisable, effortlessly elegant, and tastefully minimalist interior design philosophy to the Singapore outpost. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801709" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aman Spa House pool.</figcaption></figure>



Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s colonial black-and-white bungalows, the design language will highlight natural materials, textural nuances, and local island influences. Besides an Aman Club and a limited number of Aman Residences, the space will be home to spacious hotel suites, multiple signature dining concepts, and an expansive Aman Spa, featuring what will no doubt become Singapore’s most Instagrammed and sought-after infinity pool.



At this time, Aman is keeping mum on the official opening date for Aman Singapore. Bearing in mind that the 63-storey Skywaters is pencilled in for a 2028 completion date, we imagine the launch of Aman’s debut offering in the Lion City will not trail far behind.



All images courtesy of Aman.

Aman

Aman Singapore

Branded Residences

hotel

Kerry Hill Architects

Singapore

Aman Is Opening a New Hotel in Singapore’s Soon-to-Be Tallest Skyscraper

It’s true what they say—time flies when you’re having fun.



In the blink of an eye, the <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/upper-house-unified-rebrand-international-expansion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently rebranded Upper House Hong Kong</a> has reached its 16th anniversary. Naturally, a milestone like this does not go uncelebrated, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a one-night-only feast presented by one of Asia’s finest?



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" data-id="1234802895" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Jordy_Toyo-Eatery-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802895" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Jordy_Toyo-Eatery-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Jordy_Toyo-Eatery-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Jordy_Toyo-Eatery-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Jordy_Toyo-Eatery-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Jordy_Toyo-Eatery-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Jordy_Toyo-Eatery-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jordy Navarra.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" data-id="1234802896" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Ricardo_Salisterra-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802896" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Ricardo_Salisterra-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Ricardo_Salisterra-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Ricardo_Salisterra-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Ricardo_Salisterra-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Ricardo_Salisterra-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chef-Ricardo_Salisterra-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ricardo Chaneton.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



On 7 November 2025, Salisterra at Upper House Hong Kong will welcome chef Jordy Navarra of Manila’s one-Michelin-star Toyo Eatery, who will join hands with Ricardo Chaneton, Salisterra’s culinary advisor, to create culinary magic that bridges the Mediterranean and the Philippines. Both gastronomic traditions are big on shared dining experiences, and for the chefs, this collaboration represents a renewed meeting of minds—Navarra and Chaneton partnered up for a stint at Mono two years ago, which we can assume went well enough to bring about a sequel.



Toyo Eatery, its name derived from the Tagalog word for soy sauce, is dedicated to the appreciation and continuation of Filipino culinary heritage. It also stands as a champion of sustainability, with a strong focus on “closing loops,” sourcing produce locally, and supporting small artisan communities in the Philippines. One of the signature experiences at this acclaimed restaurant in Makati is the kamayan tasting menu, a direct tribute to the Filipino communal dining tradition of enjoying a shared meal off a banana leaf with your hands.



After the meal, the party continues in the Green Room, where the award-winning Ethan Liu of CMYK in Changsha, ranked No. 16 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, will be putting in a guest shift. For a limited time only, to commemorate the unified brand relaunch of Upper House, the Green Room will also be serving signature cocktails from the Chengdu and Shanghai properties.



For booking enquiries, click <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/salisterra/reservations/create/search/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<a href="https://www.upperhouse.com/en/hongkong/restaurants-and-bars/salisterra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salisterra</a>



Level 49, Upper House Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 3968 1106



All images courtesy of Upper House Hong Kong.

Manila’s Toyo Eatery Comes to Hong Kong For 1 Night Only This Month

Domaine des lambrays

Freund

Grand Cru

Lewis Chester

LVMH

Wine Column

Domaine des Lambrays: The Renaissance of a Grand Cru

As Hong Kong gears up for the eagerly anticipated Festival of Wine, running from 4 to 25 November 2025, <a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/island-shangri-la/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong</a> is poised to transform into a veritable paradise for wine enthusiasts and culinary aficionados alike. This year’s festival promises to be the most ambitious yet, showcasing a curated selection of exquisite wines from the world’s most prestigious vineyards, paired with gastronomic creations by chef Uwe Opocensky—<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/uwe-opocensky-frederic-chabbert-petrus-collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no stranger to Robb Report Hong Kong</a>—of the acclaimed Restaurant Petrus.



The festival’s allure is undeniable, offering an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in eight extraordinary evenings dedicated to the celebration of wine and food. With a collection spanning the elite estates of Burgundy to the cult classics of Napa Valley, each event weaves a unique narrative, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the storied legacies of legendary producers and rare vintages. The experience is elevated further by distinguished winemakers and sommeliers, who will share their insights and tales behind each bottle, transforming every sip into a moment of connection and discovery.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234802681" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RP-Nov-25-Harlan-Estate-Wine-Dinner_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802681" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RP-Nov-25-Harlan-Estate-Wine-Dinner_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RP-Nov-25-Harlan-Estate-Wine-Dinner_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RP-Nov-25-Harlan-Estate-Wine-Dinner_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RP-Nov-25-Harlan-Estate-Wine-Dinner_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RP-Nov-25-Harlan-Estate-Wine-Dinner_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234802680" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MP-Nov-20-Pegasus-Bay-Wine-Dinner_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802680" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MP-Nov-20-Pegasus-Bay-Wine-Dinner_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MP-Nov-20-Pegasus-Bay-Wine-Dinner_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MP-Nov-20-Pegasus-Bay-Wine-Dinner_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MP-Nov-20-Pegasus-Bay-Wine-Dinner_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MP-Nov-20-Pegasus-Bay-Wine-Dinner_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



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</figure>



One of the Festival of Wine’s highlights is the Domaine Leroy Wine Dinner, scheduled for 6 November at the intimate Restaurant Petrus. Limited to just eight guests, this exclusive gathering will feature some of Burgundy’s rarest and most coveted vintages, including the legendary Clos de la Roche 2006 and Romanée-St-Vivant 1998. Opocensky’s artistry shines through in a specially crafted menu, where seasonal French autumn ingredients harmonise with the exceptional wines. Picture a delicate lobster and scallop dish paired with the illustrious Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2001, or rich beef cheeks elegantly complemented by Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Combettes 2013.&nbsp;



For those with a penchant for exploration, the Prieuré Roch Wine Dinner on 18 November offers a bold culinary journey through the artistry of minimal-intervention wines. Opocensky harnesses earthy, umami flavours to create dishes that perfectly complement the natural, unfiltered wines from Domaine Prieuré Roch. Guests can expect to savour a rich cep mushroom tart alongside the Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru VV Magnum 2022, culminating in the evening’s pièce de résistance: tarte tatin with confit Rhug venison paired with the magnificent Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2022. With Yannick Champ, the winemaker and co-director, personally presenting these exceptional vintages, the evening will be unforgettable.



As the festival unfolds, the spotlight shifts to Napa Valley’s most illustrious producer during the Harlan Estate Wine Dinner on 25 November. This event promises a grand showcase of wines that have garnered perfect scores from Robert Parker, reflecting their uncompromising quality. Opocensky’s family-style service will feature a delightful array of dishes, from pork head terrine to whole grilled turbot, all designed to complement the structured and complex profiles of Harlan Estate wines.



Not to be overlooked, the Pommery Champagne Dinner on 4 November sets the stage for a celebration of sparkling elegance. Since 1858, Pommery has been at the forefront of Champagne innovation, and this evening will honour both its classic heritage and contemporary vision. Opocensky’s culinary interpretations will feature a selection of seafood dishes meticulously paired with six exceptional Pommery cuvées, including the celebrated Y by Yoshiki Brut and the rich Louise Brut Rosé 2004.



Each dining experience during the festival is designed to showcase the harmony between exceptional wines and culinary artistry, with chefs drawing inspiration from the unique terroirs of the wine regions. The Château Duhart-Milon Wine Dinner on 13 November, for instance, celebrates the heritage of this distinguished Pauillac estate with creative pairings that surprise and delight. From the rare Sauvignon Blanc Le Blanc de Duhart-Milon 2023 served with Japanese oysters to unexpected charcoal-grilled Wagyu lasagne skewers complementing the elegant 2007 vintage, this evening offers a masterclass in flavour synergy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SP-19-Nov-Chateau-Batailley-Wine-Dinner_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802683" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SP-19-Nov-Chateau-Batailley-Wine-Dinner_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SP-19-Nov-Chateau-Batailley-Wine-Dinner_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SP-19-Nov-Chateau-Batailley-Wine-Dinner_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SP-19-Nov-Chateau-Batailley-Wine-Dinner_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SP-19-Nov-Chateau-Batailley-Wine-Dinner_RS-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As the festival culminates, Ming Pavilion will host the Pegasus Bay Wine Dinner on 20 November, showcasing expressive wines from New Zealand’s Waipara Valley. The evening will feature masterful Fujian cuisine pairings, highlighting the versatility and complexity of Pinot Noir and Riesling, ensuring that each dish resonates with the wine’s character.



With limited seats available, guests are encouraged to secure their reservations promptly to avoid disappointment. For those seeking an extraordinary oenophile experience, the Festival of Wine at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong promises to be a highlight—nay,&nbsp;the&nbsp;event of the year.



For more information and reservations, visit <a href="https://www.shangri-la.com/en/landing/isl-festival-of-wine-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shangri-la.com.</a>

Event

Festival of Wine

Hk Dining

Hong Kong event

Island Shangri-La

Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s Sixth Festival of Wine is Primed for Oenophiles

Aston Martin

Bentley

Hypercar

Lamborghini

luxury car

motors

Rolls-Royce

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/toyota-ft-se-electric-concept-porsche-718-cayman-rival-1235392170/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Motor Show</a>, which has been rebranded the Japan Mobility Show, opened this week with a more muted presence than in years past, with Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, and others unveiling new cars, concepts, and, sometimes, mobility fantasies in an attempt to explore the cutting edge of moving around and stir the emotions of attendees.



The show, which has run since 1954 on an annual or biannual basis, is the most important auto show in Asia, and, probably, the world, now that the glory days of the auto shows in Detroit, Frankfurt, Geneva, Los Angeles, and other once-vibrant venues are well and truly behind them. The motor show in Tokyo is also said to be the most interesting—a mix of futuristic concepts, Japanese design, and a huge variety of vehicles that are simply never sold in Europe or North America, often smaller cars that are judged not to be viable in the lands where enormous SUVs are dominant.



This year was no exception, with new cars from every major Japanese automaker, in addition to a few Korean and Chinese automakers as well. Toyota had the biggest presence, occupying an enormous space in one of the Tokyo International Exhibition Center’s exhibition halls, which is not surprising for the biggest automaker in the world by volume. That space included sections for Toyota-branded cars as well as those from its luxury division Lexus, the small-volume brand Daihatsu, and the new ultra-luxury brand Century, which Toyota thinks can take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley.



Honda’s space was not much smaller than Toyota’s, but commensurate with its place in the world of Japanese automaking, along with the space for Subaru, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki. Among the non-Japanese manufacturers, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, and BYD made the biggest impressions. The Tokyo Motor Show used to be better, several attendees remarked, though it is still pretty great.



Here are 7 of the best cars here this year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toyota Century Coupe Prototype</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802791" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The Century Coupe prototype is the car that Toyota thinks can take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, along with a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/toyota-says-century-suv-is-not-suv-1235331243/">Century (not) SUV&nbsp;</a>unveiled a couple of years ago. That, alone, is a pretty bold vision, since automakers as esteemed as Mercedes have attempted to take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the ultra-luxury space—Mercedes does so with its Maybach sub-brand—and gotten mixed results. But it’s also hard to count out Toyota, since people also discounted Lexus after its debut over three decades ago. Whatever happens, the Century coupe prototype Toyota showed in Tokyo is extremely slick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hyundai Insteroid</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hyundai-project-e1761709360576.jpg?w=800" alt="Hyundai Insteroid"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The Hyundai Insteroid is a very silly car that, in many ways, is what the Tokyo Motor Show is all about. The four-wheeler, first unveiled earlier this year, is a version of the Hyundai Inster EV, a compact crossover SUV that is sold in parts of Asia and Europe. Except this Inster is on steroids, hence the name, with fat rear tires, a ridiculous rear wing, roll cage, stripped-down interior, and a look that appears to be something out of a video game. Hyundai will not confirm what kind of power it makes. The car is delightful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lexus LS Concept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LS_Concept_9_s-e1761708478805.png?w=800" alt="Lexus LS concept"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Lexus</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2018-lexus-showcases-japanese-artistry-2728157/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lexus LS sedan</a> will be discontinued after next year, ending a run of nearly four decades as the marque’s flagship vehicle, and the car that took on the S-Class way back in the heady times of the Japanese bubble and proved it could not only compete but win. Lexus isn’t quite sure what to do next, but one thing that seems for sure is that the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lists/lexus-ls-history-japanese-luxury-cars-1237286175/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LS name</a> is sticking around, though it won’t stand for “luxury sedan” anymore, but perhaps “luxury space,” like in the six-wheeled <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lexus-ls-van-concept-luxury-limousine-1237327477/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lexus LS Concept</a>. The LS Concept wants to be the nicest van ever made, with four wheels in the rear for packaging purposes (so the car can sit lower) and an interior that is supposed to make passengers feel enveloped in luxury and safe from the world. It’s possible that the LS Concept will never be seen again, but you probably wouldn’t have seen a six-wheeled luxury van at the Detroit show to begin with.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honda Alpha</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/honda-alpha-e1761709497208.jpg?w=800" alt="Honda Alpha"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Honda</figcaption></figure>



Honda debuted the new 0 Series EVs at CES earlier this year, and they are sleek-looking cars that are meant to capture the eye of sleek-looking EV buyers, and also, a bit of a dunk on brands like Tesla, whose EVs are looking increasingly dated. The Honda 0 Series barely stands out, though, at the Tokyo Motor Show, given the presence of other EV-forward&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/yangwang-u9-xtreme-worlds-fastest-production-car-1237086187/">brands like BYD</a>. The Honda Alpha, part of the 0 Series, first being unveiled in Tokyo, is a new “global” EV that is actually mostly for Japan and Indonesia and, unlikely, for North America. That’s a shame, because it’s the kind of workaday-but-special-looking EV that some American buyers have long pined for.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Daihatsu Copen</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/daihatsu-kopen-e1761709588888.jpg?w=800" alt="Daihatsu Copen"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The old Daihatsu Copen is dying, but the marque showed a new one in Tokyo, a rear-wheel drive tiny sports car or convertible that is radical in its simplicity and viscerally exciting, since it almost looks like a toy. But, as a Toyota executive said in Tokyo during a presentation, making a small car is quite difficult given all the safety tech required these days, which is another excuse automakers have to not even try. If they did, they could make something as good as the Copen, which is two seats of pure excitement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honda Prelude</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/honda-prelude-e1761709412147.jpg?w=800" alt="Honda Prelude"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/japanese-collector-cars-1980s-1990s-2843842/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prelude</a> that Honda showed in Tokyo is not new, having debuted earlier this year, but it is a welcome play at nostalgia for the old Prelude, a small sports car that was discontinued in 2001 but lived on in the parking lots of high schools across America for many a year after. The new one is a hybrid and intended for Europe and Japan. The styling is a little pedestrian, and the hybrid-ness is a little pedestrian, too, but sometimes, it’s good just to see an old friend again, after all this time



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lexus LS Mobility Concept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/lexus-mobility-concept-e1761709241594.jpg?w=800" alt="Lexus LS Micro Concept"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Lexus</figcaption></figure>



The Lexus LS Mobility Concept is the third LS concept at Tokyo this year, and also the most far out, which is saying something because one of the other concepts is a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lexus-ls-van-concept-luxury-limousine-1237327477/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luxury six-wheeled van</a>. The LS Mobility Concept is designed for one person, and opens as a jewelry box might, and ferries one around an urban environment in a space that keeps you safely sealed off from the world among many screens. There is little to no chance the LS Mobility Concept ever sees the light of day, but it’s safe to assume that Lexus designers had fun making it, and, for now, it’s fun to look at and imagine.

Honda

Japan Mobility Show

Leux

Lexus Van

Tokyo Motor Show

The 7 Best Cars at the Tokyo Motor Show, From a Honda EV to a Bonkers Lexus Van

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/toyota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toyota</a> may finally be ready to share the Century with the rest of the world.



The Japanese automaker has confirmed that it will spin off the nameplate as its own ultra-luxury marque, sitting above Lexus in the company’s portfolio. Toyota also unveiled its new flagship brand’s first concept, the Century Coupe, which is meant to go head-to-head with cars made by <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bentley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolls-royce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce</a>.



The Century debuted in 1967, 100 years after the birth of Toyota Industries founder Sakichi Toyoda. In the nearly six decades since, the full-size saloon has served as the automaker’s flagship vehicle in its home country, used by the likes of the emperor, prime minister, and other powerful figures. The nameplate has all but been a Japanese exclusive since its debut—a limited number were exported to Europe and China during its second generation—but in recent years there have been signs that the company was thinking about broadening its reach. In 2023, the company <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/toyota-says-century-suv-is-not-suv-1235331243/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unveiled an SUV model it claimed was not an SUV</a> and <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/toyota-to-join-global-luxury-car-market-with-170-000-flagship-model-b432f79f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told The Wall Street Journal</a> it intended to sell it around the world.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-brand.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802776" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-brand.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-brand.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-brand.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-brand.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Toyota will spin off the Century nameplate as its own brandToyota</figcaption></figure>



The Century Coupe, which made its debut at <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lists/best-cars-tokyo-motor-show-1237327164/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Japan Mobility Show</a> earlier this week, suggests the new brand will be one worth paying attention to. The saloon’s design language, up until now, has been a tad on the conservative side, but the concept is as audacious as can be. The prototype is a high-riding grand tourer with a long nose, sliding suicide doors (on the passenger side), and a fastback-style roofline. The vehicle’s striking dual headlights, muscular stance, and sharp lines are all plenty stylish, but its most eye-catching feature may be its dazzling metallic orange finish, which, <a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69178102/century-coupe-concept-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Car and Driver reports</a>, was applied in 60 layers.



The concept’s interior is just as bold. The cabin is covered in extravagant, hand-made materials and features a spacious four-seat late. The vehicle is actually roomy enough for a front passenger seat that can fully recline and comes equipped with a footrest. The prototype also features a minimalist driver’s cockpit with a yoke-style steering wheel and streamlined screen setup, along with futuristic mood lighting.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-6.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802777" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-6.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-6.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-6.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-6.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Century Coupe conceptToyota</figcaption></figure>



Unfortunately, just like with the similarly adventurous <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lexus-ls-van-concept-luxury-limousine-1237327477/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lexus LS van concept</a>, technical details are all but non-existent at this point. Motor1.com points out that the presence of vents in the vehicle’s long hood suggests that an internal combustion engine of some sort resides beneath. The current Century sedan is powered by a 5.0-litre V-8 while the SUV comes with a hybrid-assisted 3.5-litre V-6.



So, will the Century Coupe go into production? That remains to be seen. It’s also unclear if future Century models, whether they are based on the concept or not, will be sold outside of the U.S. But, if Toyota really is serious about competing with Rolls-Royce and Bentley, we have a feeling they might.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/motorcycles/gallery/photos-toyota-century-coupe-concept-1237330192" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Century Coupe concept.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-gallery.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802778" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-gallery.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-gallery.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-gallery.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/century-coupe-concept-gallery.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Toyota</figcaption></figure>

Luxury Couope

new car model

toyota

Toyota Is Taking on Rolls-Royce and Bentley With the Ultra-Luxe Century Coupé

The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-1932-maybach-zeppelin-ds8-1235849622/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maybach Zeppelin</a>&nbsp;was first shown in 1928 with a 7.0-litre V-12 that made 150 horsepower, a stunning figure for the time, and still impressive 50 years later. Nowadays, the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/how-mercedes-maybach-came-back-from-the-dead-1235696422/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Maybach</a>&nbsp;S680 has a 6.0-litre V-12 engine making over four times that amount of power. The marque just released a new V12 Edition of the car to celebrate the legacy.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes</a>–<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/maybach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maybach</a> V12 Edition debuted on Tuesday in Italy and has details like 24-carat gold in places and special badging, including an emblem that is inspired by that of the hood ornament on the Maybach Zeppelin. The two-tone paint, in colours of olive metallic and obsidian black metallic, takes 10 days to apply, the company says, which is double the time it takes to do the paint on an ordinary <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-maybach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Maybach</a> S680.



Inside, there is a leather colored in “exclusive” saddle brown, as well as bespoke Champagne flutes, a handcrafted steering wheel, and various other emblems. The key box is also handcrafted, and the key ring is unique, which is a detail you can tell the person you may be gifting the car to.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801608" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-768x433.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition badging. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications &amp; Marketing</figcaption></figure>



The V12 Edition is powered by the aforementioned V-12, which sends the car from a stop to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds. That isn’t as fast as a supercar but is pretty quick for a vehicle that weighs over two-and-a-half tons. The top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph.&nbsp;



Mercedes said it will make just 50 examples of the V12 Edition. The brand did not share how much it will cost, but it will likely be more than a base C-Class. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class starts at around a quarter-million dollars, so we can also assume it’s more than that, too, and perhaps much more. Customers can expect to take delivery of the car this fall.



“As the embodiment of a high-quality travel and representation vehicle—as well as a sporty type for the passionate sportsman—the ʻMaybach-Zeppelinʼ is the ultimate automobile of wish fulfilment, characterised by distinguished elegance and power,” a brochure about the Maybach Zeppelin said at the time of its release. Almost a century later, Mercedes is still going for the same ideal.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/mercedes-maybach-v12-edition-photos-1237088997/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition.

Limited Edition

Maybach

mercedes

Mercedes-Maybach

Only 50 Mercedes-Maybach V12 Editions Will Be Made

Sure, you can drive the&nbsp;<a href="http://google.com/search?q=lamborghini+sterrato+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=lamborghini+sterrato+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyCQgDECEYChigATIJCAQQIRgKGKABMgkIBRAhGAoYoAEyBwgGECEYqwIyBwgHECEYjwLSAQg1OTAyajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato</a>&nbsp;off-road, but the latest Raging Bull can be taken off land completely.



The Italian supercar maker has teamed up with Cayago for a special edition of the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/best-water-gear-for-entertainment-1235821301/2-superyacht-seat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ubiquitous Seabob</a>. The German company says the latest version of its battery-powered <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/personal-watercraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal watercraft</a> is also its most powerful model yet.



This isn’t the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lamborghini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini</a>&nbsp;has built a supercar for the sea. Earlier this decade, the automaker teamed up with Tecnomar for a 4,000-hp sport yacht called the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/new-63-foot-lamborghini-yacht-supercar-1234624181/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini 63</a>. The new Seabob Special Edition 63 (or SE63)—1963 was the year Lamborghini transitioned from making tractors to sports cars—isn’t anywhere near as powerful but is also a decidedly more accessible type of water toy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801660" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cayago Seabob SE63 for Automobili Lamborghini. Image courtesy of Lamborghini</figcaption></figure>



The collaboration is based on the current-generation Seabob F9, which was actually designed with the help of Studio F.A. Porsche, <a href="https://newatlas.com/boats-watersports/high-power-seabob-se63-jet-sled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Newatlas</a>. The newer watercraft features a subtly reworked look that includes nods to Lamborghini’s current crop of supercars, including an angular fascia inspired by that of the <a href="http://google.com/search?q=lamborghini+revuelto+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=lamborghini+revuelto+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgYIARBFGDzSAQg1Njg3ajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revuelto</a> and hexagonal headlamps similar to those found on the <a href="http://google.com/search?q=lamborghini+temerario+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=lamborghini+temerario+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDzSAQgzNzA5ajBqNKgCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Temerario</a>. It also comes in a slew of bold colours that were dreamt up in Sant’Agata Bolognese, including Arancio Egon (orange), Verde Gea (bronze green), Grigio Lynx (grey), Verde Selvans (neon green), Giallo (yellow), and Bianco Siderale (white).



The SE63 also packs plenty of power, by Cayago standards. The electric motor in the latest Seabob makes 8.4 hp. That is nothing compared to the Temerario (907 hp) or Revuelto (1,001 hp), but neither of those can operate underwater. That figure is also significantly more than the other Seabobs currently on the market, the F9 and F9S, which make 3.5 hp and 4.8 hp, respectively. The bigger motor does mean that the SE63 weighs 20 pounds more than the rest of the Cayago lineup, but it can still reach a speed of up to 22 mph, dive to a depth of 25 meters (roughly 82 feet), and run for 60 minutes on a single charge.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801661" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The SE63 can reach speeds of up to 22 mph. Image courtesy of Lamborghini</figcaption></figure>



Intrigued? Neither Lamborghini nor Cayago has announced how much the SE63 will cost just yet. The F9 starts at US$10,725 (approximately HK$83,445) and the F9S at US$14,465 (approximately HK$112,565), so a price well north of the latter seems likely.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-lamborghini-cayago-se63-most-powerful-seabob-1237037862" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Cayago Seabob SE63 for Automobili Lamborghini.

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Ker &amp; Downey <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Africa</a> wants to help you live out your full Mad Max fantasy.



The luxury travel company, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, just unveiled a new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/safari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safari</a> inspired by George Miller’s famed film franchise. The simply named Mad Max Safari will spotlight some of Namibia’s most remote and breathtaking destinations, allowing travellers to experience the same untamed wilderness featured in the five dystopian action flicks.



Mad Max is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland that is at once striking and surreal. The new, fully customisable itinerary showcases equally powerful landscapes, ranging from the sweeping dunes of Sossusvlei to the vast deserts of Damaraland to the rugged mountains and sprawling plains of Kaokoland.&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/2025/10/Namib-desert-lunch-AndBeyond-Sossusvlei-Lodge_4.jpg-2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801993" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Namib-desert-lunch-AndBeyond-Sossusvlei-Lodge_4.jpg-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Namib-desert-lunch-AndBeyond-Sossusvlei-Lodge_4.jpg-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Namib-desert-lunch-AndBeyond-Sossusvlei-Lodge_4.jpg-2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Namib-desert-lunch-AndBeyond-Sossusvlei-Lodge_4.jpg-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests can take a scenic flight over the dunes and shipwreck coastline to Swakopmund. Image courtesy of Ker &amp; Downey Africa</figcaption></figure>



Unlike the films, you won’t be fighting with violent warlords over natural resources. Quite the contrary, the high-end expedition includes private chartered flights, stays in upscale hotels, and memorable experiences like traditional game drives and hot-air balloon rides. You will also have the opportunity to put pedal to the metal like Max or Furiosa, with plenty of dune driving on the cards.



“This itinerary is fully customisable and perfect for travellers seeking exhilarating adventure in dramatic landscapes while connecting with local cultures,” Ker &amp; Downey Africa COO Jenieen van den Heever said in a statement. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Onduli-Enclave_2.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801985" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Onduli-Enclave_2.jpg.webp 1200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Onduli-Enclave_2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Onduli-Enclave_2.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Onduli-Enclave_2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You can stay in Damaraland’s stunning Onduli Enclave. Image courtesy of Ker &amp; Downey Africa</figcaption></figure>



Ker &amp; Downey Africa experts will carefully tailor itineraries to meet the preferences of each guest. A typical Mad Max safari may include two-night stays at <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/gallery/andbeyond-desert-lodge-in-pictures-2851085/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&amp;Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge</a>, the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund, the luxe Onduli Enclave in Damaraland, and a boutique lodge nestled at the base of the Omboroko Mountains. Standout experiences include a scenic flight to Kaokoland to explore fascinating Himba culture, a private guided leopard tracking adventure, and an exclusive gin tasting session and three-course dinner at Stillhouse Atlantic. Van den Heever says the flight over Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast is the “absolute highlight,” though. 



Ker &amp; Downey Africa isn’t the only travel company offering itineraries with a pop-culture twist. Red Savannah previously unveiled trips inspired by films such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/red-savannah-italian-road-trip-ferrari-movie-1235458474/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferrari</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/gladiator-inspired-trip-through-italy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gladiator II</a>, while Black Tomato has crafted adventures in honour of the <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/black-tomato-bond-inspired-itineraries-1235607610/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Bond franchise</a> and TV shows <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/black-tomato-yellowstone-ripley-trips-1235678913/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone and Ripley</a>. Clearly, there is a subset of jet-setters looking to follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sandwich-Harbour-4x4-1.jpeg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801983" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sandwich-Harbour-4x4-1.jpeg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sandwich-Harbour-4x4-1.jpeg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sandwich-Harbour-4x4-1.jpeg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sandwich-Harbour-4x4-1.jpeg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The itinerary includes a full-day Sandwich Harbour tour with exhilarating dune driving. Image courtesy of Ker &amp; Downey Africa</figcaption></figure>



“Our Mad Max-inspired journey offers a bold, unforgettable way to discover Namibia—from the wild thrill of a Sandwich Harbour dune tour to soaring above shipwreck-strewn coastlines on a scenic flight,” adds van den Heever. “With the combination of driving and flying, guests will experience Namibia from every angle.”&nbsp;



Prices start from US$21,000 (approximately HK$163,130) per person, based on a minimum of four guests. You can contact <a href="https://ker-downeyafrica.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ker &amp; Downey Africa</a> for more information.

Ker & Downey

Safari

This New Safari in Namibia Takes You on Dune Drives Like an IRL Mad Max

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is saying ciao to one of Italy’s most spectacular coastal enclaves.



The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/belmond-venice-simplon-orient-express-italian-riviera-itinerary-1235444387/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legendary luxury train</a>, operated by Belmond and not part of the Accor-managed&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/orient-express/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orient Express</a>&nbsp;brand, will journey to the Amalfi Coast for the first time early next year. The 2026 season also includes new three-day Italian itineraries culminating in Venice and Florence. All trips allow travellers to explore Europe’s most romantic cities from the comfort of a carriage and stay in some of Belmond’s finest hotels.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/journeys/paris-to-the-amalfi-coast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three-day Amalfi route</a>, part of the Villeggiatura by <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/train/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Train</a> series, kicks off in Paris on 4 May 2026. Guests will be treated to a Champagne welcome as they settle into one of the opulent, midnight-blue twin cabins, elegant suites, or top-tier Grand Suites. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-7.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801972" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-7.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-7.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-7.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-7.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests can enjoy an exceptional menu inspired by the regions on the route.</figcaption></figure>



The train will then travel south from the French capital towards Pompeii, offering views of the Italian countryside along the way. Guests can indulge in a menu inspired by the regions on the route, followed by cocktails and live music in the iconic Bar Car “3674.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-2.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801971" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-2.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The adventure includes a guided tour of Pompeii’s historic ruins. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



The train will arrive in the ancient Italian city around lunchtime, with travellers disembarking shortly after for a guided tour of the historic ruins. Those in the Grand Suites will be given exclusive access to the rarely opened Casa del Larario Regio V, an excavated Pompeii house that provides a snapshot into ancient life. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-4.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801970" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-4.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-4.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Caruso affords postcard-like views of the Amalfi Coast.  Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



The train will then head to the charming, cliffside resort town of Ravello, where guests will enjoy a two-night stay in Belmond’s grandiose Caruso hotel. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Amalfi Coast, the revamped 11th-century palace combines charming original details, such as frescoes and vaulted ceilings, with modern luxuries, like a newly restyled infinity pool that sits 1,000 feet above the sea.&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/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801969" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests will spend two nights at the former 11th-century palace in Ravello.  Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



The first evening will spotlight the Cilento region’s local delicacies, including Controne beans, anchovies, soppressata, and artichokes. Caruso’s executive chef, Armando Aristarco, will also host a live cooking demonstration by the hotel’s wood-fired pizza oven. The evening will be capped off with regional wines, traditional Cilento music, and incredible Mediterranean vistas.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-5.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801968" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-5.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-5.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-5.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-5.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Caruso’s executive chef, Armando Aristarco, will whip up fine-dining fare. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



The next day, guests are invited to explore the area by land or sea. You could embark on a boat tour of Positano or take a painting class with a local artist, for instance. That evening, a gala dinner will take place in Caruso’s Wagner Gardens, beginning with aperitivo and ending with a fine-dining extravaganza. It’s the perfect way to salute the three-day adventure.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-3.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801967" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-3.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-3.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-3.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Amalfi-Coast-Route-3.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travelers can embark on a boat tour of Positano. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



“We are thrilled to introduce the Amalfi Coast to our Italian routes, continuing to connect our legendary train with our Belmond hotels,” General Manager of the VSOE, Pascal Deyrolle, said in a statement. “This journey offers guests a unique way to experience one of Italy’s most celebrated coastlines—with its cliffs, villages, and sea views revealed in a way that only the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can provide.”



Prices for Villeggiatura by Train start from £8,600 (about US$11,400/approximately HK$88,560) per person based on two guests sharing on the Paris to the Amalfi Coast itinerary. (That includes a Historic Cabin on the VSOE and two nights in a Superior Garden View Room at Caruso.)

Belmond

luxury train

Orient Express

train

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Wants to Take You to the Amalfi Coast Next Year

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-157 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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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.

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Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive

The introduction of a new collection of watches is often met with a mix of anticipation and scepticism, particularly when it promises to redefine conventions. Atelier Wen, a brand that has steadily carved its niche in the luxury watch market, has done just that with its latest offering: the Inflection, that launched earlier this week in Hong Kong. With a novel range of hues and ideation, well, colour us intrigued. 



This innovative collection marks a significant milestone not only for the brand but for watchmaking connoisseurs and collectors. Atelier Wen, renowned for its dedication to marrying traditional&nbsp;craftsmanship&nbsp;with contemporary design, brings to the table with Inflection an ambitious new standard, utilising 99.9% pure tantalum—a metal rarely seen in watchmaking outside the most elite brands.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802838" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Inflection collection&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;three variants, each showcasing tantalum&#8217;s unique properties. This rare metal, known for its remarkable corrosion resistance and striking bluish-grey hue, is not merely a choice of material but a visual statement. The watch&#8217;s case and bracelet are crafted entirely from tantalum, a feat that underscores Atelier Wen&#8217;s commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary haute horology.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Tantalum matters on the wrist for three clear reasons,” explains Robin&nbsp;Tallendier, co-founder of Atelier Wen. “It is dense,&nbsp;more or less like&nbsp;18k gold, so it feels&nbsp;substantial&nbsp;and has real presence. Its natural colour is a distinctive bluish grey that is unlike anything else. It is extremely difficult to machine, since the metal is gummy, slow to cut, and unforgiving of tolerances.” Historically, full tantalum bracelets have been extremely rare, existing solely as&nbsp;pièces&nbsp;uniques.&nbsp;Inflection changes that with a complete bracelet in pure tantalum, where every link and clasp&nbsp;component&nbsp;meets tight tolerances in a material that resists every operation.&nbsp;



The collection features a grand feu enamel dial created by the esteemed Kong&nbsp;Lingjun&nbsp;workshop, a name synonymous with exquisite enamel&nbsp;craftsmanship&nbsp;in China. The collection features a grand feu enamel dial created by the esteemed workshop of Kong&nbsp;Lingjun, a name synonymous with exquisite enamel&nbsp;craftsmanshipin China. This collaboration highlights not only the beauty of the material but also the cultural heritage that Atelier Wen&nbsp;seeks&nbsp;to celebrate. “We began with a principle, not a palette: balance,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;says of the colour scheme. “Inflection is about duality, expressed through material, geometry, and finish, so colour had to support that idea and sit naturally with tantalum’s bluish grey. It also had to work with grand feu enamel, which builds tone through multiple firings and can easily tip into harshness if pushed the wrong way. We chose tones that invite a closer look, serve the architecture, and age well, rather than colours that dominate the object.”&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/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802837" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Inflection collection is available in three distinct variants: the limited launch edition&nbsp;Yōu, which features a&nbsp;fumé&nbsp;enamel dial transitioning from pale green to deep viridian; the&nbsp;Mò, an obsidian black variant; and the&nbsp;Yuān, which&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;a stunning midnight blue hue. Each dial is not only a testament to the skill of the artisans involved but also highlights the intricate and labour-intensive process of creating grand feu enamel. The enamelling process, which involves multiple firings at extreme temperatures, results in a surface that is both glossy and durable, providing a perfect canvas for the watch’s unique design elements.&nbsp;



Yōu&nbsp;is calm and inward-looking. “The enamel sits on a hand-hammered 925 silver base, so light breaks subtly across the surface and the gradient gains a quiet sense of movement,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;notes. “It is a demanding colour to execute because a broad, balanced gradient in green is unforgiving during firing. When executed correctly, the dial looks even and composed, and the colour supports the case and bracelet instead of competing with them.”&nbsp;



Mò&nbsp;is tuned to be a profoundly deep black that absorbs light instead of returning it. “That depth creates a very pure stage for the case and bracelet, sharpening the read of concave and convex surfaces and making each transition in brushing, frosting, and polishing register with maximum clarity,” he adds. “On a&nbsp;925 silver&nbsp;base, a black of this intensity requires careful preparation to avoid milkiness and micro-bubbling through repeated firings. The result is restraint, precision, and legibility without noise, which is the clearest expression of the design language.”&nbsp;



Yuān&nbsp;takes midnight blue and aligns it precisely to tantalum. “The metal carries a natural bluish tint, and&nbsp;Yuān&nbsp;extends that temperature onto the&nbsp;dial&nbsp;so the piece reads as a single composition rather than a metal plus a colour,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;explains. “The enamel opens gently under changing light, revealing depth without pulling focus from the overarching blueish tint of tantalum. The challenge here is consistency: if the blue drifts warmer or colder, the harmony with the metal breaks.” Traditional “lucky” reds or golds were avoided because, as&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;puts it, “those&nbsp;colors&nbsp;would dominate the object and reduce the watch to a statement about colour. We intended to let colour support narrative and craft, and to allow tantalum, geometry, and finishing to carry the conversation.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



At the heart of Inflection is the customised Girard-Perregaux&nbsp;movement, calibre 03300, a powerhouse renowned for its precision and finishing. This partnership with a prestigious Swiss manufacture speaks volumes about Atelier Wen’s aspirations. The support from the prestigious Swiss manufacture speaks volumes about Atelier Wen’s aspirations. The movement is adorned with features that pay homage to traditional Chinese aesthetics, including sweeping lines inspired by motifs of wind found in historical paintings. This attention to detail embodies a philosophy of harmony and balance, echoing the yin and yang dichotomy intrinsic to Chinese culture. Each&nbsp;component, from the ruthenium-plated bridges to the meticulously designed rotor, reflects a commitment to high-end finishing that is both functional and visually captivating.&nbsp;



Inflection removes flat planes from the case and bracelet, using alternating concave and convex forms with long, sharp transitions. “We did not simplify the design to make production easier; we increased its complexity to fully embrace our design vision,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;emphasises. “That makes manufacturing harder, then finishing harder again: vertical brushing must stay straight on curves, polished mid-links must remain clean, and long mirror-polished chamfers must be sharp without rolling edges.” On the wrist, the result is a character distinct from gold, platinum, titanium, or steel—delivering gravitas with a cooler, contemporary blue sheen. “Inflection is not a one-off experiment; it is a continuous collection in pure tantalum, manufactured and finished to an&nbsp;unheard of&nbsp;standard,” he says.&nbsp;



Given the complexity of tantalum manufacturing and limited production capacity—only 100 pieces of Inflection will be available in the first year—this collection is poised to become highly sought after. The by-application sales process further emphasises exclusivity, ensuring each piece finds a home with someone who&nbsp;truly appreciates&nbsp;its artistry.&nbsp;



Atelier Wen’s founders, Robin&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;and Wilfried Buiron, have long dreamed of creating a watch that transcends boundaries. With Inflection, they have achieved that, infusing high horology with Chinese cultural elements. You might have heard ‘East meets West’ ad nauseum, but&nbsp;here’s&nbsp;an accessory that encapsulates the phrase in form. Inflection promises to be more than a watch; it will be&nbsp;a lasting legacy, a conversation starter, and a celebration of artistry.&nbsp;



Regarding&nbsp;the market,&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;offers perspective: “It offers a clue, but does not give the full picture on its own. In Hong Kong, watch demand tends to move with cross-border travel and overall liquidity&#8230; For us, the situation is&nbsp;very different. Our orders for Inflection are driven&nbsp;mainly by&nbsp;committed collectors, through applications and allocations&#8230; Demand is global and tied to the work itself.” Inflection stands apart, a masterpiece in full tantalum.&nbsp;



For more information log on to&nbsp;<a href="https://atelierwen.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor0_SaIRPSxNsQV0TwMpnpxMKETzAyb1DitufMow7dzrFnIarbK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AtelierWen.com</a>&nbsp;

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Atelier Wen Unveils Inflection Wristwatch Collection: A Masterpiece in Full Tantalum 