With the holiday season quickly approaching, we suggest considering some of these unusual and rare vintage timepieces for a loved one… or yourself. Our new online luxury shop&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vault</a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;has plenty of wrist candy to round out any collection or start one.



Here, you’ll find everything from a Tiffany &amp; Co-signed Rolex and a Patek Philippe annual calendar with rare luminous Roman numerals to a funky diamond Day-Date “President.” There’s also a steel Rolex DateJust with a fetching navy sodalite dial. All feature a twist on Patek and Rolex’s most-coveted models, which is just the kind of thing that makes a collection shine.



Below, explore six lust-worthy watches available only at The Vault.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0016-1A.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792779" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0016-1A.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0016-1A-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0016-1A-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5035-G, Circa 2004</h3>



Price:&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/patek-philippe-annual-calendar-circa-2004/?utm_source=rr&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$31,500</a> (approx. HK$244,890)



Patek Philippe is the father of the annual calendar complication, having invented the complication in 1996. The mechanism could tell the difference between months 30 and 31 days and adjust the date accordingly, so that the wearer only had to correct the date manually once a year in February. It served as a more accessible and, relatively speaking, less expensive alternative to the perpetual calendar.&nbsp;



This 37 mm 18-carat white gold example with rare luminous roman numerals, was one of the last of the 5035 references to come off the production line. It comes with a rare slate dial, and the days and months written in Italian abbreviations. It was retailed by Rocca SpA in 2004 and comes with its original paperwork. <a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/patek-philippe-annual-calendar-circa-2004/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enquire</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0003-3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792780" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0003-3.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0003-3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0003-3-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rolex Tiffany-Signed Day-Date, Circa 1979</h3>



Price:&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-tiffany-signed-day-date-circa-1979/?utm_source=rr&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$27,950</a> (approx. HK$217,290)



This original 36 mm 18-carat yellow gold Rolex Day-Date comes with a coveted Tiffany &amp; Co-signed dial and is in pristine condition having never been polished. Its lines remain sharp including along the case feet. The watch’s hallmarks are still visible on the case back, and the bracelet is still very tight with little snag. It comes on its original bracelet with a full signature on the deployant buckle, along with corresponding model numbers on the inside of the end links.



Tiffany &amp; Co-signed Rolex dials continue to fetch a premium on the secondary market as Rolex and Tiffany ended their co-branded watches in the early 1990s. <a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-tiffany-signed-day-date-circa-1979/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enquire</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0002-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792781" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0002-1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0002-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0002-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rolex Day-Date “Pleiades,” Circa 1984</h3>



Price:&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-day-date-pleiades/?utm_source=rr&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$59,000</a> (approx. HK$458,680)



Here we have a graphic and ultra-cool 36 mm Rolex Day-Date in 18-carat yellow gold with an untouched factory diamond dial and bezel. The hour marker diamonds are accentuated by larger gold claw settings. There is little to no polishing and the “18K” Rolex stamps and Swiss poinçon controls marks are deep and visible. It comes on a fully signed deployant buckle bracelet with the corresponding marks and correct model numbers on the inside links. Even the original factory solid-18-carat-gold spring bars are present.



Vintage Day-Dates have become hugely popular and with the rise of design-forward dials, this piece is a double whammy for collectors. <a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-day-date-pleiades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enquire</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0005-3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792782" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0005-3.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0005-3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0005-3-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Patek Philippe Pagoda Ref. 5500J, Circa 1997</h3>



Price:&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/patek-philippe-pagoda-circa-1997/?utm_source=rr&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$21,950</a> (approx. HK$170,635)



This 41 by 26 mm Patek Philippe Pagoda Ref. 5500J is one of 1,100 made in 18-carat yellow gold to herald the opening of a new workshop—the consolidation of 12 different ateliers scattered throughout Geneva—in 1996. Fit with the calibre 215 PS, a manually wound chronometer with small seconds, the timepiece marks the first time in watchmaking history that COSC (Switzerland’s official chronometer certification bureau) and the Geneva Seal Authority issued a joint individual rating for a watch.



It comes with its original Patek Philippe card packaging and an extract from the archive.&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/patek-philippe-pagoda-circa-1997/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enquire</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0010-5.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792783" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0010-5.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0010-5-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0010-5-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rolex Datejust Ref. 16238 with Diamond Onyx Dial, Circa 1991</h3>



Price:&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-datejust-diamond-onyx-dial/?utm_source=rr&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$31,895</a> (approx. HK$247,945)



This 36 mm 18-carat yellow gold Rollie features a rather unusual and striking dial in onyx with just two Arabic numeral markers—one for the 6 and one for the 9—each punctuated with a diamond. This kind of dial was made by Rolex just for a few years at the beginning of the 1990s, and in very limited quantities.



It features a non-luminous dial with 18-carat yellow gold original hands. Beneath the surface it is equipped with the calibre 3135 movement used in many Rolex models since its launch in 1988. It also features the more ergonomic Quick Set date function and newly designed smaller-profile case introduced in the 1970s and the case features spring-bar holes exposed from the side—a feature that was phased out in the mid to late 1990s.



This is a full-set piece, so it comes with its original plastic bezel protector, outer box, inner box, and punched papers. There are six removable links so it can be made smaller. <a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-datejust-diamond-onyx-dial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enquire</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0012-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792784" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0012-1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0012-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0012-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rolex DateJust Ref. 16234 with Sodalite Diamond Dial, Circa 2000</h3>



Price:&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-datejust-sodalite-diamond-dial/?utm_source=rr&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$16,750</a> (approx. HK$130,210)



Sodalite is a rich royal blue mineral gemstone said to have healing properties that promote peace and tranquility. Whether or not you buy into that, it should certainly strike up desire for its beauty. This Rolex DateJust Ref. 16234 sodalite dial has flecks of darker hues throughout giving the piece depth and subtle intrigue. It is accented with diamond hour markers.



The dial of the 36 mm steel piece also remains untouched and in pristine condition—a rarity due to the fragile nature of stone dials. It comes with its original bracelet with deployant buckle and Rolex plastic tag with serial-number sticker and wax-seal tag. <a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/rolex-datejust-sodalite-diamond-dial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enquire</a>.

Patek Philippe

Robb Report

Rolex

The Vault

vintage

Watches

From The Vault: 6 Insane Vintage Watches to Buy Right Now

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/panerai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panerai</a> has been inventing new ways of illuminating dive watches as far back as the First World War. In 1916, it created a radium-based powder, dubbed Radiomir, to light up maritime instruments for the Italian Royal Navy, and by 1935 it was being used on military-dive-watch prototypes. Luminor, a tritium-based luminescent substance with low, harmless emissions was patented and approved for use by the company in 1949; 17 years later, Panerai pioneered the use of a new material called Elux, deploying it to light up command centres, internal signalling boards, and pathways for helicopters landing on military ships. And while luminescence has now become a proprietary point of differentiation among elite watchmakers—Grand Seiko has Lumibrite, Rolex offers Chromalight, etc.—Panerai continues to innovate, making things brighter with its new <a href="https://www.panerai.com/us/en/focus/elux.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Submersible Elux LAB-ID</a>. 



At first glance, the 49 mm by 21.9 mm watch looks like a standard model for the company. (The exception is its case, made of Ti-Ceramitech, a patent-pending material whereby ceramitised titanium is put through a Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation process to achieve its special matte-blue hue.) But a simple push of the clicker, located beneath the Elux-branded protector at eight o’clock, illuminates the hands, indexes, subdial, power reserve—even the triangular pip on the bezel. It’s the first mechanical watch where lume can be activated on demand, rather than by absorbing and re-emitting light, which is how Super-LumiNova, the industry standard, works. It sounds simple, yet the invention was eight years in the making in Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee, the company’s research and development workshop, and required four patents. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Panerai_SElux2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790771" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Panerai_SElux2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Panerai_SElux2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Panerai_SElux2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Panerai_SElux2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Panerai_SElux2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Close-up of the dial. Image courtesy of Panerai</figcaption></figure>



The Ref. PAM01800, which is water resistant up to 1,640 feet, achieves its glow thanks to four minuscule barrels that draw on the movement’s kinetic energy and then, at the push of the button, unwind in a microgenerator, thus converting that energy into electricity that can power the LEDs for up to 30 minutes. (Another two barrels are used to power the movement, which has a three-day power reserve.) Should time run out on the activated lume, the watch also sports Super-LumiNova on the indices, hour markers, minute hand, and bezel dot.&nbsp;



Limited to just 150 pieces at US$96,300 (HK$750,820) each, with only 50 pieces released each year through 2026, getting your hands on one is likely a shot in the dark. But for those elite Panerai obsessives who have cultivated deep collections and the connections to match, the future looks bright indeed.

collectible

dive watch

limited stock

luxury watch

new dive watch

Rare

watch collector

Panerai’s New Dive Watch Mechanically Generates Luminescence. Here’s How.

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cartier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cartier</a> is once again on the hunt for high-calibre horologists.



The Parisian jeweler just opened applications for the <a href="https://www.richemont.com/news-media/press-releases-news/cartier-launches-2024-cartier-prize-for-watchmaking-talents-of-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cartier Prize</a> for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow. Created exactly 30 years ago by the Institut Horlogerie Cartier, the prize recognises apprentice watchmakers in Switzerland, France, Germany, and, as of this year, Belgium.



The <a href="https://www.prixcartiertalentshorlogersdedemain.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hands-on competition</a> tasks up-and-comers with transforming a movement around a specific theme. For the 2024 edition, the watchmakers will need to reimagine a pendulum movement Cartier has produced for over a century by adding new aesthetic and technical innovations relating to the theme “Magic of the Senses.”



After applications close on 30 August, five watchmaking experts will select six technicians and six apprentices to move on to the next stage. (The judging panel includes <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/independent-watchmaking-1235367160/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent watchmaker</a> Kari Voutilainen and watch specialist Roy Davidoff, among other industry heavyweights.) The 12 selected applicants will be given 80 hours to develop their project over two months. During this period, they will receive individual coaching from an experienced mentor. On 16 December, the finalists will present their completed projects before the judges at the Maison des Métiers d’Art in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cartier_Watch_Prize2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787745" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cartier_Watch_Prize2.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cartier_Watch_Prize2-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Applicants need to reimagine a Cartier movement. Image courtesy of Cartier</figcaption></figure>



The prize-giving ceremony will then take place in January 2025. Prizes will be awarded both for technical brilliance and creative flair, according to Cartier. The top two winners will be offered a Cartier traineeship, while the three laureates in the two categories will receive a Cartier watch and an invitation to visit several Cartier locations in France and Switzerland.



Cartier isn’t the only noteworthy name focused on nurturing the next generation of watchmakers, though. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/louis-vuitton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Vuitton</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/f-p-journe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FP Journe</a> also offer prizes for newcomers. Launched this year, the <a href="https://www.lvmh.com/news-documents/news/raul-pages-wins-first-edition-louis-vuitton-watch-prize-for-independent-creatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Vuitton Watch Prize</a> for Independent Creatives sees the work of burgeoning talents evaluated by an international committee of watch experts. The winner receives a silver trophy, a grant of €150,000 (about HK$1.2 million), and a one-year mentorship at La Fabrique du Temps, LV’s modern manufacturer in Switzerland. (Raùl Pagès won the first edition of the LV prize.)



Similarly, FP Journe’s <a href="https://www.fpjourne.com/en/young-talent-competition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Young Talent Competition</a>, launched in partnership with the Hour Glass in 2015, helps young watchmaking students and recent graduates build a reputation by spotlighting their work. The winner receives a diploma and 50,000 Swiss francs (roughly HK$431,230) to buy watchmaking tools and finance their horological project.



Such initiatives are mutually beneficial, of course. Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and FP Journe can see exciting new ideas, get acquainted with fresh talent, and recruit watchmakers for their own maisons. Finding and/or <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-launches-watchmaking-course-dallas-texas-1235519965/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">training</a> newbies is even more pressing now that the industry is facing a shortage of watchmakers. By 2026, an estimated 4,000 new watchmakers will be needed in Switzerland to cover the increased demand for workers and the loss of retirees, as reported by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/26/fashion/watches-workforce-switzerland.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The New York Times</a>. Perhaps a few more maisons should consider doling out prizes, then.

Cartier

Cartier Prize for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow

Cartier Just Revived Its Watchmaker Prize to Find Up-and-Coming Talent

A Lange & Sohne

Bulgari

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Piaget

TAG Heuer

Vacheron Constantin

Van Cleef & Arpels

8 Mind-Boggling New Watches That Prove 2024 Is the Year of Mechanical High Art

Arts Month Hong Kong

Chopard

Hermes

Louis Vuitton

Luxury watches

Wearable Art

Arts Month 2024: 14 Stunning Luxury Watches That Double as Wearable Art

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/vacheron-constantin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vacheron Constantin</a>&nbsp;is once again offering VIP clients the opportunity to wear a visual and technical masterpiece on their wrist.



The Swiss watchmaker has made it possible for a select few to have a work from&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/the-metropolitan-museum-of-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>’s collection reproduced on the dial of a timepiece with intricate enamel painting. This collaboration follows the brand’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/vacheron-constantin-louvre-watch-great-civilizations-1234681873/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar partnership with the Louvre Museum in Paris</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Met-Fifth-Avenue-The-Charles-Engelhard-Court-in-The-American-Wing_∏Courtesy-of-The-Met-1024x576.webp" alt="Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s Diana sculpture is recreated in enamel for the Vacheron Constantin collaboration." class="wp-image-1234786393" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Met-Fifth-Avenue-The-Charles-Engelhard-Court-in-The-American-Wing_∏Courtesy-of-The-Met-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Met-Fifth-Avenue-The-Charles-Engelhard-Court-in-The-American-Wing_∏Courtesy-of-The-Met-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Met-Fifth-Avenue-The-Charles-Engelhard-Court-in-The-American-Wing_∏Courtesy-of-The-Met-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Met-Fifth-Avenue-The-Charles-Engelhard-Court-in-The-American-Wing_∏Courtesy-of-The-Met.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s Diana sculpture is recreated in enamel for the Vacheron Constantin collaboration. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



You can choose nearly any piece of art, although there are some limitations around copyrights for modern and religious works. Given that the canvas for your wrist is just 38 to 42 mm, a focal point on a painting must be chosen to fit within the dial. In case you are wondering whether your unique timekeeper will be replicated, the brand says there is a five-year exclusivity on the artwork of your choice after purchase and no two clients can choose the same focal point on the same painting. But given the price tag of these pieces, it’s unlikely that a client of this kind of work would want to choose a masterwork that had already been replicated for another Vacheron VIP. As far as bragging rights go, saying you have the only version of Monet’s&nbsp;The Water Lily Pond&nbsp;made for the wrist is pretty high up there.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_MdA_Enamel_MO_1_Grisaille-1024x576.webp" alt="Vacheron Constantin’s artisans reproduce the client’s chosen artwork in enamel." class="wp-image-1234786392" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_MdA_Enamel_MO_1_Grisaille-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_MdA_Enamel_MO_1_Grisaille-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_MdA_Enamel_MO_1_Grisaille-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_MdA_Enamel_MO_1_Grisaille.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vacheron Constantin’s artisans reproduce the client’s chosen artwork in enamel. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



Figures for the pieces can’t be disclosed, but are said to be in the six- to seven-figure range. Would you expect anything less from an artisan who is able to recreate Van Gogh’s unmistakable 1889 impressionist painting,&nbsp;A Wheat Field with Cypresses, within a canvas of mere millimetres using a “paintbrush” the size of a hair? That is no small feat. Acquiring one of these timepieces will include a private tour of the Met by its experts and curators, as well as a visit to Vacheron Constantin’s manufacture in Geneva to meet master watchmakers and artisans behind the creation of the watch. Naturally, due to the nature of each timepiece and the actual time it takes to create one, you can expect a waitlist.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_back_Calibre_2460SC_MET-1024x576.webp" alt="The oscillating weight of the watch movement features a special engraving of the Met." class="wp-image-1234786391" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_back_Calibre_2460SC_MET-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_back_Calibre_2460SC_MET-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_back_Calibre_2460SC_MET-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VAC_back_Calibre_2460SC_MET.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The oscillating weight of the watch movement features a special engraving of the Met. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



Beyond showcasing the work of Vacheron Constantin’s extraordinarily talented artisans and that of history’s masters at the Met, the partnership will also include an artist-in-residency programme and other educational initiatives to be announced down the road.

Claude Monet

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Vincent Van Gogh

Winslow Homer

Vacheron Constantin and the Met Are Teaming Up For Watches Inspired by Famous Works of Art

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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starliner spacecraft return

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Beond

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Luxury Airline Beond Is Now Flying Between Milan and the Maldives

Heart Aerospace is almost ready for takeoff.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Airplane

clean travel

electric aviation

Heart Aerospace

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Swedish

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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Luxury Travel

Private Jet

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

Chinese couture

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Exhibition

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Rihanna

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Barolo

Giacomo Conterno

King of Wines

Roberto Conterno

vineyard

Wine

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

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a>’s Chelsea Barracks, in the natty Belgravia district, famously housed the British Royal Army for 150 years before it was converted into a sprawling complex of luxury apartments and townhouses. This summer, an all-new structure at <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/chelsea-barracks-london-indoor-tennis-court-1235661087/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">9 Mulberry Square</a> was unveiled with 48 residences by Eric Parry Architects that range from one-bedroom units to mansion-sized penthouses. The building’s first <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/penthouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penthouse</a> to come to market has been listed with a eye-watering US$57 million (HK$443.5 million) price tag, and Robb Report got an exclusive look inside. Knight Frank holds the extraordinary listing.



Chelsea Barracks tapped <a href="https://studio-atkinson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio Atkinson</a> for the two-storey penthouse’s design, which prioritises “wellness in the sky,” according to a statement. Beyond its slightly more than 6,000 square feet of living space, the expansive outdoor terrace is where key amenities tied to the incentive come into play, like an ice bath and a sauna. While there’s more to explore out on the terrace, the home’s interiors also offer five bedrooms and a number of living areas suited to families and health enthusiasts alike. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH11.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793204" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH11.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH11-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH11-768x513.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Floor-to-ceiling walls of glass ensure natural light floods the spacious living room. Image courtesy of Chris Horwood</figcaption></figure>



A marble staircase in the foyer loops its way to the upper level against a bold red colour splashed across the walls. The living room stands further ahead with floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open to the terrace. Its walls are dressed in a shade of willow green that evokes a feeling of calm. In the clean-lined kitchen, the marble countertop waterfalls over the snack bar island alongside wooden cabinetry.



Elsewhere, the formal dining room breaks the ice with its herringbone floors and orange moiré wallpaper that gives off a funky psychedelic vibe, while a pastel-pink sofa brings energy to the primary bedroom suite that includes a marble-clad bathroom, where the quirky floral wallpaper and unobstructed skyline views are its most eye-catching features. In addition to its printed drape choices and floral-themed light fixtures throughout, the British design firm sourced a number of antiques for the home, including a chinoiserie-style tall boy that was scored at a Dreweatts auction.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="916" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH8-916x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793205" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH8-916x1024.webp 916w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH8-268x300.webp 268w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH8-768x859.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CBarracks_PH8.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 916px) 100vw, 916px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A barrel sauna and a redwood ice bath are located on the expansive terrace. Image courtesy of Chris Horwood</figcaption></figure>



Back out on the terrace, along with the barrel sauna and redwood ice bath, you can grow herbs in a dedicated garden area and whip up meals on the built-in barbecue grill alongside the bar area and alfresco dining and lounging spaces.



Residents also gain access to the building’s 33,000-square-foot <a href="https://www.chelseabarracks.com/live/garrison-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garrison Club at Grenadier Gardens</a>. Here, the multi-sports hall allows you to play on a championship tennis court, plus access the swimming pool and partake in a slate of holistic wellness programmes.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/chelsea-barracks-london-penthouse-photos-1235979203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the London residence.

Chelsea Barracks

Homes For Sale

London

Penthouse

Inside a HK$443.6 Million Penthouse at London’s Ultra-Posh Chelsea Barracks

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.

Auction

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Château Quintus

Investment

Luxury Wines

Sotheby’s

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

Here’s a good example of why “last but not least” exists as a phrase.



An example of the <a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ms24/lots/r0001-2006-ferrari-248-f1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferrari 248 Formula 1 race car</a> driven by <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michael-schumacher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Schumacher</a> during his final season with the team will be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s next month. His place in motorsports history was secure well before he ever got behind the wheel of this vehicle, but it still played an important part in burnishing his legacy.



With the possible Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas, there is no more successful driver-constructor partnership in F1 history <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/michael-schumacher-ferrari-f2001b-formula-1-car-auction-1234874572/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">than Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari</a>. The German helped return the team to its winning ways during their 11 seasons together (1996 to 2006) and became the sport’s biggest star in the process, claiming five titles in a row between 2000 and 2004. Needless to say, he drove several excellent race cars during that time, and it was in 248 that he achieved some of his greatest success.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/f125402.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792630" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/f125402.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/f125402-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/f125402-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Schumacher’s 2006 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferrari</a> 248 F1. Image courtesy of RM Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



Ferrari developed the 248 race car for use during the 2006 F1 season. Schumacher may not have won the title that year—which was his last with the Italian automaker—but he was able to bounce back from the disappointment of finishing third in 2005 and was had a shot at the championship until the season’s final weeks. Schumacher’s best stretch that season happened in this car, chassis no. 254. The car was in use from April until August, and it was in that period that the driver claimed five of his seven victories that season (the San Marino, European, United States, French, and German Grands Prix). He also took three pole positions in the car, including the one (at San Marino) that Ayrton Senna’s record and the final of his career (United States).



The seller purchased chassis no. 254 directly from Scuderia Ferrari in late 2007. The car wears the same racing livery during its time on the track and received Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification in 2008. That means that the marque itself has confirmed it to retain all its number-matching components, including a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre V-8 that makes 785 hp and longitudinal gearbox.



Chassis no. 254 will be go up for bid during the latest of the auction house’s Sotheby’s Sealed sales. Bidding for the race car is set to open on Thursday, 14 November, and run until Tuesday, 19 November. No estimate has been made public, though one is available upon request. Considering how important the vehicle is to both Schumacher and Ferrari’s racing legacy, it’s sure to command a hefty sum.

Ferrari

Michael Schumacher

RM Sotheby’s

Michael Schumacher’s Last Ferrari F1 Car Is Heading to Auction

For its fifth edition of the Global Family Office Survey Insights report, <a href="https://www.privatebank.citibank.com/insights/the-family-office-survey?utm_source=RobbReportHK&amp;utm_medium=paid_referral&amp;utm_content=2024web&amp;utm_campaign=fosurvey24&amp;login=no" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Citi Private Bank</a> asked its global network of family-office clients 50 wide-ranging questions to gauge their sentiments and activities, as well as the trends and issues at the top of their agenda. Here are some important takeaways from the <a href="https://www.privatebank.citibank.com/insights/the-family-office-survey?utm_source=RobbReportHK&amp;utm_medium=paid_referral&amp;utm_content=2024web&amp;utm_campaign=fosurvey24&amp;login=no" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Family Office 2024 Survey</a> Insights.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway01-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway01-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway01-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway01-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway01-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



From cash to risk assets



Cash holdings fell in 2024 as family offices put their liquid resources to work in the markets. Some 43 per cent of respondents increased their exposure to public and private equity, with the strongest shift into public equity recorded in Asia. Fewer family offices raised their weighting to cash—31 per cent compared to 47 per cent in 2023—while 37 per cent of respondents cut cash holdings in 2024. Allocations to real estate saw little overall movement, as in 2023. Meanwhile, half of those surveyed upped their allocation to fixed income.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway02-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792652" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway02-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway02-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway02-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway02-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Bullish expectations



Almost all respondents (97 per cent) had a positive outlook for portfolio returns over a 12-month horizon, a two-percentage point increase from 2023. Their optimism last year indeed gave way to upside, with over three quarters of respondents registering gains.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway03-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792653" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway03-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway03-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway03-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway03-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway03-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Future path of interest rates



The evolution of interest rates was a worry this year with some 52 per cent cited high and rising interest rates as a concern, overtaking inflation in the list of priorities. US-China relations and market overvaluation were also top of mind, mentioned by 45 per cent of respondents.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway04-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792654" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway04-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway04-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway04-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway04-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway04-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Sophisticated investment approaches



More and more family offices, around 60 per cent, are embracing sophisticated, disciplined processes, such as building in-house teams led by CIOs, creating investment committees, and introducing investment policy statements. Alternative investments are also receiving greater weight in portfolios.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway05-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792655" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway05-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway05-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway05-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway05-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway05-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Increasing leverage



Family offices are making strides in adopting institutional techniques. These include exploring active strategies to manage the risks of concentrated positions, such as derivative solutions. While nearly half of respondents were not leveraging their portfolio at all, two thirds were exploring their financing needs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway06-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792656" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway06-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway06-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway06-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway06-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway06-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Gradual adoption of AI



While portfolio exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) has increased and it is likely a driver of the strong portfolio returns that many family offices saw over the past year, the adoption of generative AI within their operations is lagging, with just one in 10 family offices saying they were doing so. This is broadly similar to the situation across the business world.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway07-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792657" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway07-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway07-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway07-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway07-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway07-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Coping mechanisms



While 86 per cent of family office respondents identified at least eight areas of risk, most felt that they were handling them well. Cybersecurity, geopolitics, and family dynamics remained top concerns. Against this backdrop, many respondents mentioned risk management as a key responsibility of family office heads, second only to investment management.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway08-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792658" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway08-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway08-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway08-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway08-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway08-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Adopting formal governance



While two thirds of families relied on a governance system within investments, governance remains a work-in-progress across the broader family enterprise, such as other financial, business, philanthropic, and family activities. Almost half of survey respondents said they did not have a formal investment policy statement. The philanthropic decision-making process appears to be largely informal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway09-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792659" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway09-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway09-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway09-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway09-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway09-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Balancing finance and family



Addressing wealth management and family matters remained top priorities for family offices and the families they serve. Family matters embrace the likes of fostering family unity and continuity, such as preparing the next generation for their future responsibilities as stewards of wealth. However, many family offices often find it a struggle to fulfil both mandates. Over half of them said that meeting family expectations were now an ever-greater priority than adapting to shifting market conditions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway10-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792660" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway10-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway10-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway10-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/global-family-office-survey-insights-takeaway10-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



External collaboration



Serving families effectively increasingly requires collaboration with external parties. Family offices reported more collaboration with such partners, as they further professionalised their operations and investment functions. Investment management and reporting services are most commonly performed in-house, while other tasks are carried out externally or in collaboration with external providers.



Read the full Citi Private Bank Global Family Office 2024 Survey Insights <a href="https://www.privatebank.citibank.com/insights/the-family-office-survey?utm_source=RobbReportHK&amp;utm_medium=paid_referral&amp;utm_content=2024web&amp;utm_campaign=fosurvey24&amp;login=no" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.<a id="_msocom_1"></a>

Citi Private Bank

family offices

Global Family Office Survey Insights

Citi Private Bank Revealed Its 2024 Global Family Office Survey Insights. Here Are 10 Key Takeaways You Should Know.

In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury accommodations, few properties manage to retain their allure while simultaneously embracing modernity. Hong Kong is crowned with incredible hotels famed the world over, and one of the jewels on the diadem indubitably is the Island Shangri-La, a storied establishment that has recently unveiled its magnificent Shangri-La Suite following an extensive renovation that redefines modern Asian opulence.



Island Shangri-La first opened in March 1991, the sophisticated cousin of the Kowloon Shangri-La. A makeover in phases, from rooftop to basement, has been quietly in the works over the past few years, and after a soft launch of the Shangri-la Suite in June,&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;was invited to test the premises with a stay in its colourful, maximalist, expansive, expensive, multi-functional, multi-roomed, and panoramic-view-filled mega-suite.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234790436" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790436" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Living room.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234790441" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom3-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790441" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Walk-in closet.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234790440" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790440" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Master bedroom.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234790437" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790437" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Private dining room.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234790438" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room3-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790438" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Private dining room.</figcaption></figure>
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Nestled on the 52nd floor, the Shangri-La Suite is a breathtaking testament to contemporary design, poised to captivate even the most discerning of travellers. Priced at an eye-watering HK$150,000 per night (HK$120,000 during off-peak season—a bargain, really), the Shangri-La Suite boasts a view that sweeps across the iconic skyline of Hong Kong Island. A fun game of spotting and naming the iconic buildings that pop up on the horizon should take up the sundown hour. In this vast area where luxury meets functionality, Island Shangri-La offers a retreat that is as much a work of art as it is a living space.



From the moment one steps into the hotel, the level of service is evident. Guests are greeted by name, an intimate touch that sets the tone for what is to follow. Island Shangri-La’s concierge, with a warm smile, guides you through the lobby, introducing you to the home away from home that awaits. Here, the attention to detail is palpable: the options on the Chinese tea tray that are wheeled out on arrival, from the auspices of Ming Pavilion’s tea master; the fruit baskets set in the centre of the coffee table, right next to a Champagne bucket brimming with ice and a glistening bottle of Veuve Clicquot; warm pastries from the Island Shangri-La’s famed bakery, featuring egg tarts hot from the oven, making every guest feel embraced in its steaming warmth. All of the aromas, views, and setting engulf you in a state of cocooned bliss. It’s not merely a hotel stay; it’s an experience crafted to perfection.



Upon entering the Shangri-La Suite, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that exudes sophistication. Spanning an impressive 222 square metres, the space is designed with a maximalist philosophy in mind—picture vibrant colours, rich textures, and curated artwork in every corner. Its layout is thoughtfully constructed, allowing for seamless transitions between living and dining areas. Between the walk-in closet and main bedroom is a little maze where you can get happily lost as you view the landscape art that’s in the fabric of the wallpaper. (We did touch the rich canvas to try to put a finger on the artful narrative pattern.)



The living room features an eight-metre-long landscape mural, a modern interpretation of ancient&nbsp;guó huà&nbsp;Chinese landscape paintings, that captures the essence of historic Kowloon. This visual masterpiece serves as a stunning backdrop, inviting you to unwind while soaking in the breathtaking vistas of Victoria Harbour and the city’s iconic landmarks.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790439" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bedroom2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Master bedroom.</figcaption></figure>



The master bedroom is an intimate sanctuary, designed for relaxation. You will find sumptuous furnishings, including a lavish king-size bed adorned with 1,000-thread-count Frette linens, promising a restful night’s sleep. A pillow menu (contour, anti-allergy, soft feather, firm feather, buckwheat, and traditional Chinese medicine options) eases you into a state of blissful rest (the anti-allergy cushions really do help). The décor is a harmonious blend of contemporary style and traditional elements, with floral, chinoiserie woven wall coverings adding a touch of haute-couture elegance to enhance the overall experience. Each bedroom features spacious walk-in wardrobes, equipped with a safe and a cascade of jewellery drawers, ensuring that your valuables are secure yet easily accessible.



The en-suite bathroom—we affectionately dubbed it “la Loo-vre”—is a marvel in itself. Stepping into the bath and beyond is akin to entering a serene spa. The sensuous haven is adorned with luxurious fixtures and features two vanity tops. Window seats with movable cushions provide an enchanting view, making it an ideal spot for unwinding after a long day.&nbsp;



Dominated by richly veined dark marble, the bathroom features walk-in twin rainforest showers, a heated bench, and an oversized bathtub, offering an unparalleled view—a perfect setting for contemplation or a soothing soak. And yes, there’s even a signature bath menu for the picking. Be it a healing Chinese medicinal bath or an aromatic rose-petal-filled sensory soak, let your concierge make recommendations. Note the Acqua di Parma toiletries and the Yun Wellness grooming products that many will be tempted to purloin. As Oscar Wilde wrote, “the only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it,” and yield we did. 



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234790431" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790431" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Sitting-Room-Bar1.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Living room.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234790432" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom4-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790432" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom4-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom4-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom4-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom4-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom4.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yun Wellness amenities.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234790433" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790433" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Master-Bathroom1.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Main bathroom.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234790434" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790434" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Shangri-La-Suite-Dining-Room1-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Breakfast in the main dining room.</figcaption></figure>
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The Shangri-La Suite surpasses expectations with its extensive array of exclusive amenities. Guests are attended to by a dedicated butler, always at your beck and call, whether you desire a bespoke tea service or assistance in arranging a private yoga session in the guest bedroom that can morph into a retreat, as well as rooms for staff and security.&nbsp;



It is also equipped with a fully stocked bar and an impressive wine cellar, featuring selections from the property’s own Petrus wine collection. Now, the wine selection menu from Petrus that can also be brought to the table is, quite frankly, mind-boggling. Page after page of extraordinary finds from Bordeaux are bound to flummox even the most proficient connoisseur. Fear not—that’s where the resident sommelier comes in, and he’s on hand to curate special pairings for any occasion, making in-suite dining an extraordinary affair.



Dining options are equally impressive, with Michelin-starred executive chef Uwe Opocensky available to create bespoke culinary experiences. Whether you wish to host an intimate dinner party in the private dining room or enjoy a casual meal in the comfort of your suite, the gastronomic offerings are designed to impress. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, take the lift directly down to the Lobster Bar &amp; Grill with its sumptuous menu of seafood delicacies. The restaurant is celebrated for its live music, creating an enchanting ambience that elevates your dining experience. The thick carpets, expertly crafted cocktails, and attentive service ensure that every meal becomes a memorable occasion. When in doubt, ask for the loquacious sommelier to recommend a drink that you will not find elsewhere.&nbsp;



The Shangri-La Suite is not just a luxurious retreat; it is also a space designed for events and gatherings. With flexible layouts, the suite can be transformed to accommodate everything from weddings to private trunk shows. The sitting room and dining areas can easily be reconfigured, ensuring that any event is executed with elegance and sophistication.



In the realm of luxury hotels, the Shangri-La Suite stands as a beacon of opulence and personalised service. From the moment you arrive until your departure, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Meticulous attention to detail, combined with a wealth of exclusive amenities and exceptional dining options, ensures that your stay will be etched in your memory long after you leave. In a world where luxury is often commoditised, the Shangri-La Suite offers a refreshing reminder of what true luxury should be—personal, bespoke, and deeply enriching. Here is a suite where every detail has been thoughtfully considered, ensuring that your stay is not merely satisfactory, but utterly sublime.



EM Forster’s book, Room with a View, adapted to film, stage, and television, also carries the weight of being the most pilfered expression used by hotel marketing literature. Ad nauseam, we join that queue. Well, lads and ladies, here, the room is the view.



All images courtesy of Island Shangri-La.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong hotel

Island Shangri-La

Shangri-La

Shangri-La Suite

First Look: Island Shangri-La’s Newly Renovated Eponymous Suite Is an Oasis in the Sky

Nestled just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Orchard Road, the Grand Hyatt Singapore has reemerged from a period of significant transformation, unveiling a reimagined elegance that harmoniously blends modern luxury with a commitment to sustainability.&nbsp;



Officially, the hotel reopened earlier this year on 10 July 2024. While there’s more to be unveiled in the coming year—more on that later—we at&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;were invited for a first look and stay. The most glorious things about the hotel—of which there are many—are the wide-open spaces, lush greenery, well-thought-out design, excellent curation, verdant views, and, of course, incredible dining. An inside look reveals that there is so much more to the heart of the Grand Hyatt Singapore.



This iconic hotel has embarked on a new chapter, boasting of new wings, refreshed dining concepts, and generous public spaces that promise an extraordinary experience for discerning travellers. Nature-inspired interiors, wood motifs, and greenery make up this sanctuary in the heart of a city, topped by diverse and delectable food. As anyone in Asia knows, Singapore consistently ranks high as a prime food destination, and the hotel has opted to step up the game with fine cuisine options, novel interiors, and bars to compete with any Asian destination worthy of being named a dining capital.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Terrace-Suite-Daybed-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792220" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Terrace-Suite-Daybed-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Terrace-Suite-Daybed-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Terrace-Suite-Daybed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Terrace-Suite-Daybed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Terrace-Suite-Daybed-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Terrace Suite at the Terrace Wing of the Grand Hyatt Singapore.</figcaption></figure>



First stop—the newly unveiled Terrace Wing. It is nothing short of a haven, designed to immerse guests in the restorative embrace of nature. Jointly crafted by Tokyo-based design firm Strickland and landscape architects Grant Associates from the UK, it features tropical gardens, soothing waterfalls, and a meditative atmosphere.&nbsp;



Its design reflects Singapore’s identity as a “city in nature,” with all 292 rooms adorned in calming neutral tones, accented with ice-green marble and elegant wooden furnishings. Each guest-room, starting at a generous 42 square metres, comes equipped with modern amenities, including cosy daybeds in alcoves and dual-sink vanities, ensuring a stay defined by comfort and sophistication.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" data-id="1234792209" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2NwsJV5g-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792209" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2NwsJV5g-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2NwsJV5g-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2NwsJV5g-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2NwsJV5g-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2NwsJV5g-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="892" data-id="1234792210" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TFhdoj1w-1024x892.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792210" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TFhdoj1w-1024x892.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TFhdoj1w-300x261.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TFhdoj1w-768x669.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TFhdoj1w-1536x1338.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TFhdoj1w-2048x1784.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234792211" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/zrz3GCA-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792211" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/zrz3GCA-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/zrz3GCA-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/zrz3GCA-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/zrz3GCA.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>
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As part of the wellness-centric ethos, guests can indulge in the newly enhanced fitness centre and a 25-metre lap pool. Outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully integrated, allowing for guided meditation, yoga, and more amidst the tranquil gardens. Damai, the hotel’s dedicated wellness hub, further embodies this focus on wellness with a range of holistic therapies that marry traditional practices with cutting-edge treatments.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234792226" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792226" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pete’s Place.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234792227" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792227" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/petesplace2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pete’s Place.</figcaption></figure>
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Culinary excellence remains at the forefront of Singapore as a tourist attraction, and the Grand Hyatt Singapore’s offerings are on par with the greatest of dining destinations. Its reopening introduces an array of dining concepts that are as diverse as they are delectable. StraitsKitchen, renowned for its vibrant marketplace atmosphere, returns with refreshed interiors and a menu that celebrates the rich tapestry of Singaporean cuisine. Expect to savour halal-certified favourites such as chilli crab, laksa, and butter chicken, all crafted with the freshest ingredients. For those seeking a lively nightlife experience, Brix is set to reignite the social scene; this underground bar features distinct sections, including a main bar, wine bar, and whisky bar, where guests can enjoy live music in a dynamic setting. The martini bar will also make a return, alongside Pete’s Place, a beloved establishment serving classic Italian fare since 1973.



Debuting later this year will be Le Pristine Singapore, an exciting collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, elevating the culinary landscape with contemporary dishes inspired by Zeeland, further enriching the gastronomic repertoire.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 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="1234792224" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792224" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">StraitsKitchen.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234792225" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792225" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sk-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">StraitsKitchen.</figcaption></figure>
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Every new enterprise seems to throw about that phrase “sustainability” ad hoc, but sustainability is paramount with the conscientious Grand Hyatt Singapore, as it is leading the charge in eco-friendly hospitality. For the past two decades—since 2002, in fact—the hotel has operated on 100 per cent renewable electricity, achieved through partnerships that utilise renewable-energy certificates. An innovative in-house food-waste management system converts excess food into compost, significantly reducing environmental impact. The hotel has also introduced an automated water bottling plant, providing purified water in reusable glass bottles to diminish plastic waste and enhance the guest experience, aligning with a broader commitment to sustainability.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234792214" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Entrance-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792214" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Entrance-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Entrance-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Entrance-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Entrance-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Entrance.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Presidential Suite.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="686" data-id="1234792215" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Dining-Room-1024x686.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792215" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Dining-Room-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Dining-Room-300x201.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Dining-Room-768x515.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Dining-Room-1536x1029.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Hyatt-Singapore-Presidential-Suite-Dining-Room.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Presidential Suite.</figcaption></figure>
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The Grand Hyatt Singapore has long been synonymous with luxury and impeccable service. A welcome smile is always around the corner, and how the team goes out of their way to ensure a stay is top-notch needs to be stated. With its recent transformation, the hotel is poised to continue this legacy, offering a sophisticated urban oasis that caters to the needs of modern travellers.&nbsp;



But that’s not all—the completion of the Grand Wing in early 2025 will further bring together 699 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites, multiple dining venues, and versatile event spaces that cater to both leisure and business guests.



As the sun sets over Orchard Road, the Grand Hyatt Singapore stands ready to welcome a new generation of guests, inviting them to indulge in elevated experiences that are both captivating and rejuvenating. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat, a gastronomic adventure, or a commitment to sustainability, this iconic hotel promises to deliver an unforgettable stay in the heart of Singapore.



All images courtesy of Grand Hyatt Singapore

Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt Singapore

hotel

Hotels

Grand Hyatt Singapore Reopens After a Major Revamp, Revealing a New Chapter

As the inaugural <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024</a> approaches, the anticipation within the luxury sector is palpable. Set to take place in less than a week, this prestigious event promises to bring together nearly 50 distinguished speakers and panellists, each poised to engage in discussions on pivotal topics that shape their respective industries. 



With over 300 attendees confirmed, the Leaders of Luxury Summit serves as a vital platform for addressing the pressing questions that permeate the minds of luxury professionals and those in the industry’s orbit as these matters influence markets beyond borders.



Our agenda is unquestionably ambitious, tackling a range of issues that include the intersection of artificial intelligence, health, and luxury; the evolving landscape of hospitality and experiences; and the complexities surrounding brand collaborations. Notably, the Leaders of Luxury Summit will delve into the latest trends in the luxury sector, and what implications this holds for customer expectations. Additionally, we will explore the investment potential of watches and jewellery, questioning whether their status as reliable investments is grounded in reality or mere public relations narrative that consumers have collectively accepted.&nbsp;



In the “New Horizons of Health, AI, and Longevity Among the Elite” panel discussion, key figures such as&nbsp;Danny Xiang, CEO and chairman of Saint Bella;&nbsp;Don So, CEO of Humansa; and&nbsp;Ye Chen, CEO and founder of Tigerobo will share insights on redefining health and wellness for the affluent clientele of the future. As ultra-high-net-worth individuals are increasingly seeking advancements in health and longevity, with growing interest in hyper-personalised luxury maternity care and breakthroughs in biotechnology, this session will explore how artificial intelligence is poised to unlock new frontiers in healthcare.&nbsp;



As luxury brands evolve, many are venturing into the realm of hospitality, often with remarkable results. In “Reimagining Luxury Hospitality: Where Hotels and Lifestyle&nbsp;Converge,” the panel discussion will examine the motivations behind these cross-category expansions and how luxury hotels are crafting unique experiences that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Speakers, including&nbsp;Bryant Stone, chairman of Baccarat;&nbsp;Enver Arslan, area general manager of Joali Maldives; and&nbsp;Deepak Ohri, CEO and founder of Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness, will discuss the strategies employed by hospitality brands to meet the demands of discerning guests seeking more than a place to lay their heads down.



Austen Chu,&nbsp;CEO and founder of Wristcheck;&nbsp;Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury and co-owner of Drake’s; and&nbsp;Ronny Hsu, head of sales, jewellery, at Christie’s Asia-Pacific will provide expert perspectives on “The Convergence of Art and Culture in Watches and Jewellery.” In the luxury watches and jewellery market, there has been a significant transformation; the stable business model has evolved into a highly competitive arena. Our speakers will focus on how established&nbsp;maisons&nbsp;are reinventing themselves to resonate with consumer preferences, and the role that art and culture play in this reinvention.&nbsp;



In a landscape increasingly defined by exclusivity and personalisation, brand collaborations have become a cornerstone of luxury strategy. In our “Charting the Evolution of Brand Collaborations” panel discussion, our diverse speakers will explore how brands are crafting unique partnerships that appeal to a new generation of highly engaged consumers. Moderated by Johannes Neubacher, co-founder and VP of&nbsp;WWD China, the panel will include&nbsp;Camille Cheng, Hong Kong Olympic swimmer and Lululemon ambassador;&nbsp;Amy Yang, vice president of marketing, APAC &amp; IMEA for VistaJet; and&nbsp;Becky Yeung, regional head of brand partnerships and sync for Asia at Warner Music Group.



As family offices emerge as significant wealth generators, particularly with China on track to dominate the global luxury market by 2025, the “Future Opportunities for Luxury Brands and Family Offices” discussion will analyse the implications for luxury brands. Kwan Chi-man, director of the Family Office Association Hong Kong, will lead a conversation on the strategic opportunities for family offices in leveraging their investments in this changing landscape. Erudite speakers such as&nbsp;Angel Chia, executive director of Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy,&nbsp;and&nbsp;James Root, senior partner of Bain &amp; Company and co-chair of Bain Futures, will offer insights into the future of wealth and luxury.



Unique design in luxury spaces is increasingly important for attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals. In our “Rethinking Luxury Spaces: Extraordinary Design Reshaping Experiences” panel, we will explore how developers and auction houses are reshaping the luxury experience through innovative design solutions.&nbsp;Christina Gaw, managing principal, global head of capital markets, and co-chair of alternative investments at Gaw Capital;&nbsp;Sara Klomps, director of Zaha Hadid Architects; and&nbsp;Francis Belin, president of Christie’s Asia-Pacific will share their visions for integrating cutting-edge design with rich heritage to create memorable luxury experiences that resonate deeply with their clientele.



Hosted by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 is set to be a significant, mark-your-calendar occasion, attracting top-tier decision-makers from the international luxury scene to Hong Kong for an unparalleled gathering. The event promises to offer fresh perspectives on the latest developments, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the luxury market. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions and dialogue that delve into the complexities of luxury branding, lifestyle world-building, the evolving customer journey, and the impact of global trends on local markets.



The overarching theme of the summit, “Redefining Luxury Through a Global Lens,” encapsulates the essence of the discussions that will unfold. Supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the event will feature a full schedule of engaging talks, panels, and keynote speeches designed to illuminate the future directions of the global luxury market.



As the day culminates in a glamorous black-tie gala dinner, guests will celebrate the achievements within the luxury industry. Regent Hong Kong will serve as the backdrop for this elegant occasion, reinforcing the luxurious experience that the summit embodies.&nbsp;



The Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 promises to be a pivotal event, uniting thought leaders and innovators to explore the trends and challenges that define the industry today. With just a week to go until the summit, the excitement is building, and we look forward to welcoming delegates to an event that promises to pave the way into the future of luxury.



For more information and full list of confirmed speakers, click <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-10-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793372" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-10-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-10-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-10-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-10-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-10-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-10-2048x2048.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>

Hong Kong summit

Leaders of Luxury

Leaders of Luxury Summit

Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024

Luxury Industry

1 Week to Go Till Hong Kong’s First-Ever Leaders of Luxury Summit, Gathering Nearly 50 Luxury Industry Titans to Discuss Pivotal Topics Shaping the Luxury Landscape

As the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024</a>&nbsp;fast approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a pivotal gathering of influential figures in the luxury sector. With nearly 50 distinguished speakers taking to the stage throughout the day, the event will explore the overarching theme “Redefining Luxury Through a Global Lens.”



Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong, the Leaders of Luxury Summit, hosted by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;and supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is poised to be one of the most significant international events on the luxury calendar, attracting a congregation of over 300 attendees from all corners of the world, representing top-tier industries spanning the gamut of luxury and lifestyle brands.



Our day-long programme is meticulously structured into half-hour sessions, allowing speakers, panellists, and moderators to delve into pressing topics that shape the luxury landscape, designed not just to inform, but also to spark dialogue. Central to this experience are five spotlight sessions featuring prominent industry leaders, each presenting ideas pertinent to their respective segments, who will undoubtedly inspire and provoke thought, conversation, and change, elevated by the joint discussion among likeminded individuals who are ahead of the game and able to direct what happens next.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chanin-Donavanik-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793333" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chanin-Donavanik-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chanin-Donavanik-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chanin-Donavanik-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chanin-Donavanik.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chanin Donavanik.</figcaption></figure>



Chanin Donavanik, vice chairman and executive committee chairman of Dusit International, is joining Mary Gostelow, president of Gostelow Report, to explore the topic of “Redefining Luxury Through Legacy.” In the realm of luxury hospitality, the concept of legacy holds immense significance. Donavanik exemplifies this notion through the story of Dusit International, a brand founded by his mother that is steeped in heritage and committed to excellence. Under his stewardship, the company has successfully navigated the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, ensuring that the values instilled by its founders continue to resonate in today’s dynamic market. 



As Dusit seeks to expand its footprint, Donavanik’s insights into how the brand will maintain its legacy while embracing contemporary trends will be invaluable. His perspective on the enduring influence of familial roots in shaping luxury experiences will surely resonate with attendees who appreciate the intricate waltz between history and innovation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ALBERTO_GALASSI_FERRETTIGROUP_09GIU2021_0010-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793335" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ALBERTO_GALASSI_FERRETTIGROUP_09GIU2021_0010-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ALBERTO_GALASSI_FERRETTIGROUP_09GIU2021_0010-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ALBERTO_GALASSI_FERRETTIGROUP_09GIU2021_0010-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ALBERTO_GALASSI_FERRETTIGROUP_09GIU2021_0010.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alberto Galassi.</figcaption></figure>



Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, will take to the stage to discuss “Redefining Luxury Through Innovation” with&nbsp;Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong. Ferretti Group stands as a paragon of excellence in the luxury leisure vessel sector, leading the way in the design, construction, and sale of yachts. Under the leadership of Galassi, the company has not only maintained its prestigious reputation but has also embraced innovation to meet the evolving demands of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.



In his spotlight, Galassi will address the current state of the luxury yacht market, particularly in Italy, where interest in yacht investment opportunities is surging, raising the industry to new heights. He will share insights on how Ferretti is steering its course as a pioneering innovator, all while ensuring robust financial performance. Delegates can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between luxury leisure yachts and investment, as well as the role of craftsmanship in the modern maritime industry.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sebastian-paredes-ceo-dbs-bank-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793336" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sebastian-paredes-ceo-dbs-bank-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sebastian-paredes-ceo-dbs-bank-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sebastian-paredes-ceo-dbs-bank-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sebastian-paredes-ceo-dbs-bank-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sebastian-paredes-ceo-dbs-bank.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sebastian Paredes.</figcaption></figure>



Sebastian Paredes, head of North Asia of DBS and CEO of DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, will be in conversation with&nbsp;Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, to explore “What’s Next for the Greater Bay Area?” in his spotlight.&nbsp;China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) is rapidly emerging as a pivotal economic hub, often likened to the Silicon Valley of the East. Under the guidance of Paredes, DBS is at the forefront of this transformation, providing innovative financial solutions that meet the needs of a new generation of investors and entrepreneurs.&nbsp;Paredes’s insights into the GBA will be particularly relevant for luxury market stakeholders. He will discuss the opportunities in serving high-net-worth populations in the GBA, the dynamic region’s growth rate, and the investment preferences that DBS has recorded in recent years. Delegates will gain valuable perspectives on how the evolution of the GBA will impact the luxury market in the long term. Investors in the mix? Well, here’s some food for thought on what opportunities lie ahead.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="771" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Frank-Steffen-Walliser--771x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793337" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Frank-Steffen-Walliser--771x1024.jpg 771w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Frank-Steffen-Walliser--226x300.jpg 226w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Frank-Steffen-Walliser--768x1021.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Frank-Steffen-Walliser--1156x1536.jpg 1156w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Frank-Steffen-Walliser-.jpg 1204w" sizes="(max-width: 771px) 100vw, 771px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser.</figcaption></figure>



Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, CEO and chairman of Bentley Motors, will lead the conversation on “Redefining Luxury Through Sustainability and Personalisation” with&nbsp;Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong.&nbsp;Bentley Motors has long been synonymous with definitive luxury and craftsmanship, and under Dr Walliser’s leadership, the brand is embracing a future that prioritises sustainability alongside performance without sacrificing the core elements and DNA that makes the brand of Bentley exalted beyond premium vehicles in their lane. It cannot be denied today, in age of EV, that the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and Bentley is at the forefront of this evolution, focusing on electrification and eco-conscious practices.



In his session, Dr Walliser will examine how Bentley navigates the intersection of heritage and innovation, ensuring that the brand remains a beacon of luxury while adapting to contemporary values. He will discuss the importance of bespoke ownership in redefining luxury for ultra-high-net-worth consumers, highlighting how unique personalisation can enhance the luxury experience in an environmentally responsible manner.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nadine-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793338" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nadine-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nadine-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nadine-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nadine-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nadine.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nadine Ghosn.</figcaption></figure>



Nadine Ghosn, CEO and founder of Nadine Ghosn Fine Jewellery, will speak with Victoria Tang-Owen, creative director of Thirty30 Creative and Victoria Tang Studio, to close the day’s discussion, all while focused on the topic “Exploring the Future of Luxury.” Ghosn is a young visionary in the world of contemporary jewellery, redefining what luxury means through her innovative and playful designs. Her creations challenge conventional norms, celebrating individuality and empowering wearers to express their uniqueness.&nbsp;



With an impressive clientele that ranges from fashion icons to A-list musicians, Ghosn’s work transcends mere adornment—it is a celebration of identity and artistry, with an element often missing in fashion: good humour. In her spotlight session, Ghosn will explore the future of luxury in the jewellery sector and address how her creative ethos fosters a dialogue around authenticity and self-expression, offering a refreshing perspective on jewellery as an investment in oneself, and comment on how the evolving landscape of luxury jewellery reflects broader societal trends and personal narratives that drive the industry forward.&nbsp;



Robb Report Hong Kong’s Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 promises to be a landmark event as more than 40 luminaries walk up to stage to address essentially a global audience. Scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 November 2024 at Regent Hong Kong, the Leaders of Luxury Summit will feature the aforementioned guests, as well as a diverse array of world-class speakers and panellists. Through engaging talks, thought-provoking discussions, and stimulating keynotes, participants will explore the dominant trends and future directions of the global luxury industry in what we hope will be an annual affair after this inauguration.&nbsp;



As the day of insightful discourse culminates in a glamorous black-tie gala dinner, attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate excellence in luxury. Themed “Best of the Best,” the evening will feature an awards presentation, honouring the achievements of leaders in the luxury sector, live entertainment, fine wine and food, and more. With such a rich programme, the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 is set to be an unforgettable experience, marking a new chapter in the evolution of luxury in Hong Kong.&nbsp;



For more information and full list of confirmed speakers, click <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793347" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/official_post_-2048x2048.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>

Inaugural Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 Will Lead With Five Inspiring Spotlights on Innovation, Legacy, Sustainability and Personalisation, Challenging Convention, and Investment

It was a star-filled night in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/italy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italy</a> on Tuesday.



That evening, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/mexico-first-ever-michelin-guide-1235618068/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin Guide</a> announced its latest ratings of Italian restaurants during a ceremony in Modena. Most notably, one spot was added to the guide’s list of three-starred restaurants: Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli in Verona, under the helm of the chef Giancarlo Perbellini.



Perbellini “orchestrates a concerto of sublime flavours and impeccable techniques, enriched by a sense of hospitality that promises gourmets an experience to remember,” the guide said in its announcement. “A native of the region himself, Perbellini is descended from a family of pastry chefs and has certainly mastered the craft: sesame wafers with sea bass tartar and liquorice is just one of his stunning creations. The warmth of the whole team and the spectacular dining room will only enhance your unique experience.”



While Perbellini and his team may be celebrating the most, another 35 restaurants were graced with their first star or an upgrade to two stars. In the latter category, Villa Elena in Bergamo and Campo del Drago in Montalcino were bumped up from one star to two. The former, with the chef Marco Galtarossa in charge, was honoured by the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin</a> Guide for dishes such as grilled duck in ravioli with celery and crespelle stuffed with duck thighs. Campo del Drago, led by the chef Matteo Temperini, was lauded for its personal cuisine, expressed in plates like gnocchi with chanterelles and porcini mushrooms.



Moving down the list, a whopping 33 restaurants received one <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin star</a> this year. Many of those are backed by well-known chefs like <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/massimo-bottura-interview-gucci-maserati-coffee-1234590987/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massimo Bottura</a> and Antonino Cannavacciuolo. Those big names, though, have put younger chefs in charge of their kitchens: Bottura has installed Jessica Rosval at Al Gatto Verde in Modena, while Cannavacciuolo has entrusted Le Cattedrali in Asti to Gianluca Renzi.



This year, Lombardy became the Italian region with the most new entries, and its impressive 61 starred restaurants is the most across the country. Campania follows with 50 stars, then Tuscany with 44, Piedmont with 35, and Veneto with 34. In total, Italy boasts an eye-popping 393 Michelin stars. That sterling result only seems fitting for a country whose culinary reputation is one of the strongest in the world.

Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli

The Michelin Guide

The World’s Newest Michelin 3-Starred Restaurant Was Just Crowned in Italy

In the realm of high-end interiors where bespoke furniture reigns supreme—especially in Hong Kong—pet insurance company OneDegree&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2758593/hong-kongers-among-top-spenders-on-pet-care-in-asia-pacific" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surveyed</a>&nbsp;526 pet owners, only to discover they spend an average of HK$680,000 raising their animal friends—more than any other Asian counterpart! Now, a new contender is raising the bar in pet luxury.



Launched by interior designer Britta Butler, <a href="https://www.theliebling.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Liebling</a>’s luxury pet bed merges impeccable design with comfort, catering to discerning pet owners who refuse to compromise on the sophisticated style of their own home or their pampered furry family member’s whims.



Butler, the founder and renowned design director of B Squared Design, has a keen eye for aesthetics, honed through years of crafting exquisite residences across key addresses in the world. Recognising a glaring gap in the market for aesthetically pleasing pet furniture, Butler embarked on a journey to create a product that would not only provide a restful haven for pets but also complement the luxurious interiors of their homes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-3.41.45 PM-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791924" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-3.41.45 PM-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-3.41.45 PM-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-3.41.45 PM-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-3.41.45 PM-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-3.41.45 PM-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



“When guests are coming over, I didn’t want people to suddenly shuffle their pet accessories into another room, or shove them under other furniture,” she says with a knowing laugh. “The pieces should stand on their own [and] be part of the overall aesthetic; each piece is individually made for a client to complement their home, their interiors, their tastes.”



The Liebling—which translates to “darling” or “favourite”—draws inspiration from Butler’s German roots, an apt name for a product designed with so much love for our four-legged companions. (For the record, she has two pets of her own, so this was a need-based project that took off.) Each pet bed is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in a family-owned workshop with over 25 years of bespoke furniture experience.



Available in three sizes, The Liebling accommodates pets ranging from two pounds to 99 pounds, making it a versatile choice for various breeds. The frame can be customised in light oak, warm maple, dark walnut, or luxurious leather, allowing owners to select finishes that harmonise with their existing décor. Clients can further personalise their beds with brushed gold or nickel, or matte black bases, and cushion covers in ivory, slate grey, or charcoal.



“I found that some pet furniture were either the really awful pieces that you buy quickly online,” she says without naming and shaming any websites—cough cough, how now, Taobao—as there is no guarantee of quality, colour, comfort, or socially responsible standards of sourcing or production, “or they were the breathtakingly expensive designer beds from various European brands at nearly six figures! Where was the happy in-between?”



As there’s an entire demographic of people spending more money on pets than children, the cost, which starts anywhere from HK$14,000 to HK$23,000 and can go upwards based on material, this is for those who have stylish homes and profound pet concerns. Beyond aesthetics, The Liebling excels in functionality as each bed features a hypoallergenic, dust-mite-resistant inner cushion made from natural shredded latex, ensuring a safe and comfortable resting place. The waterproof outer layer protects against unmentionable accidents, while the removable, machine-washable ultra-suede cover simplifies maintenance—an essential feature for busy pet owners, who’d also like their homes spotless.



For those ready to invest in their pet’s comfort and style, The Liebling is available for order&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theliebling.com/our-story" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a>, with bespoke options tailored to individual preferences. With a manufacturing and delivery timeframe of six to eight weeks, this luxurious addition to your home will undoubtedly become a cherished retreat for your beloved companion.



In a world where pets are increasingly seen as family, The Liebling stands on all fours as a pinnacle of sophistication and comfort, ensuring that your furry friends can enjoy the very best in life. With a soundtrack of Sarah McLachlan’s Angel ringing in your ear, remember, your pets may be a part of your life, but you are part of their entire life. Spend well.



All images courtesy of The Liebling.

Dog bed

Luxury

luxury pets

pet accessories

pets

This HK$23,000 Luxury Pet Bed Is the Latest Accessory For Your Pampered Pooch

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Best of the Best 2024

Electric Vehicle

luxury car

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

battery-powered

electric car

gas-powered engine

Ferrari Confirms Its First Electric Car Is Coming Next Year

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audi</a> is changing the way it sells cars in Chinese market.



The German luxury automaker announced plans on Thursday at a press event in Shanghai to begin selling EVs in the country under the name AUDI. The use of all caps isn’t all that will differentiate the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China</a>-only brand from its parent company—it’s also ditching the marque’s signature four-ring logo.



Audi has been selling its cars and SUVs in China since the late 1980s, but the company has been thinking about <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/audis-new-china-ev-series-wont-have-signature-four-ring-logo-sources-say-2024-08-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rebranding in the region</a> since at least the summer. In addition to the logo change—the cars will now just sport an emblem that reads “AUDI”—the EVs that will make up the new line are being developed in conjunction with Chinese automaker SAIC. Each vehicle will also be free of the “E-tron” branding that graces its parent company’s EVs in other parts of the world.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept02.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793307" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept02.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept02-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept02-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">AUDI E concept. Image courtesy of Audi</figcaption></figure>



Thursday’s announcement was, thankfully, not just one about branding, though. Audi, or AUDI, also unveiled a new vehicle prototype that will help launch the brand. The vehicle, dubbed simply the E concept, is a stylish wagon designed specifically for the needs of Chinese drivers.



Audi and SAIC have used the new brand as a chance to shake things up. The German automaker’s vehicles all have a very strong design language, with everything from coupé to sedans to SUVs looking closely related (eventually it lets itself have some fun, like with the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/audi-tt-rs-40-years-of-quattro-variant-1234575639/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TT</a>). But the E concept features minimalist looks with smooth lines running front to back. The most striking element is the all-new front-fascia that looks closer to that of the Lucid Air than anything that wears the four rigs, as well as the spoiler coming off the roof. The cabin looks spacious and has multiple displays spanning the length of the dashboard, along with accent lighting throughout.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept03.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793305" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept03.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept03-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audieconcept03-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Audi</figcaption></figure>



The E concept is powered by two electric motors—one on each axle, giving the vehicle all-wheel drive—that combine to produce 764 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque. The automaker says the wagon will be able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds and travel 435 miles on a single charge, two figures that are both quite impressive.



There’s little to no chance that a production version of the E concept will ever be sold in the US. Fortunately, the Audi unveiled the A6 E-tron earlier this year, which will be available with a wagon-style body. That version of the model isn’t set for an American release just yet, but since the company did finally bring the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/audis-limited-edition-nogaro-blue-rs6-avant-wagon-is-the-best-thing-youll-see-today-2948552/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas-powered A6 Avant</a> over the Atlantic earlier this decade, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if it eventually makes it stateside.

audi

China

A New Audi EV Station Wagon Is Coming Next Year

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bentley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley</a> may have pumped the brakes on its plan to go all-electric, but it will still get there—eventually.



The British marque has announced that its first EV will finally make its debut in 2026. Despite this, the brand has pushed back in carbon-neutrality goal, meaning its focus will be on hybrid vehicles through at least the middle of the next decade.



Bentley’s first battery-powered model will be—what else?—an SUV. It won’t just be a new version of the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-reveals-bentayga-extended-wheelbase-suv-1234678950/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentayga</a> with an electric powertrain, though. Instead, the company claims the model will be the world’s first “luxury urban SUV.” No real details were made available, but <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-07/bentley-beyond100-electric-vehicle-master-plan-delayed-to-2035" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg reports</a> that CEO Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser described the vehicle as “compact.” It’s unclear what that actually means to Bentley since its smallest current offering, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2025-bentley-continental-gt-speed-revealed-1235679570/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Continental GT</a>, still measures nearly 16 feet bumper to bumper. The Bentayga, meanwhile, measures between 16.8 feet and 17.4 feet.



<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/opener-w-b.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793275" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/opener-w-b.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/opener-w-b-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bentley’s first EV will be an SUV, but it will be more compact that the Bentayga. Image courtesy of Bentley Motors Limited</figcaption></figure>



The EV will kick off a period of expansion for the luxury automaker. The newswire reports that the company wants to introduce a new plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle every year for the next decade.



Walliser also revealed that the company is pushing back its plan to go all-electric by the end of the decade. Back in 2020, Bentley <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-reveals-beyond-100-plan-sustainability-diversity-1234579615/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unveiled “Beyond 100,”</a> a strategy that outlined how it would achieve end-to-end carbon neutrality—in other words, sell only electric cars and SUVs—by 2030. That target has now been pushed back to 2035 and the plan’s name changed to “Beyond 100 Plus.” The reason is simple; the appetite for EVs hasn’t turned out to be as strong as initially thought.



“We all know the automotive market looks different,” the executive is quoted as saying. “Legislation for sure is driving electrification. We have to be honest, there’s not a lot of demand—customers are kind of careful in considering something like that.”



Bentley may still be in the process of <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-stop-production-w-12-engine-1234810576/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saying a long drawn-out goodbye to the its famed W-12 internal combustion engine</a> earlier this year—and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentleys-new-flying-spur-hybrid-v-8-most-powerful-four-door-1235854426/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replaced it with an even more potent hybrid V-8</a>—but that doesn’t mean it’s finished with purely gas-powered vehicles. A new pure-combustion Bentayga is expected to sometime next year. It’s not sure how many more models like this there will be, though, as the automaker’s priority, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-benz-will-no-longer-go-all-electric-1235521320/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">like so many others</a>, will be on hybrids going forward.

Bentley

Beyond 100 Plus

Luxury SUV

Bentley’s First All-Electric Car Will Be a Luxury SUV, and It’s Coming in 2026

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/toyota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toyota</a>’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2024-toyota-land-cruiser-debut-three-trims-1234875249/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new Land Cruiser</a> may be even more versatile than we initially realised.



The Japanese auto giant and its Calty Design Research studio are bringing an open-top <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/truck/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">truck</a> based on the popular SUV to this year’s SEMA show. The Calty Land Cruiser ROX may just be a concept, but it’s a tantalising peek at how cool a pick-up based on the current-generation model would be.



Americans may think of the Land Cruiser as an SUV but there have several truck versions dating back to its debut in 1951. The first version of the vehicle—which was Toyota’s equivalent of the Willys MB, better known as the original Jeep—was adapted from the company’s light truck and was even available as a pick-up. A lot has changed since then, but the nameplate has graced a number of trucks in various regions in the decades since, including the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tom-hanks-land-cruiser-auction-1234626619/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beloved FJ40</a> and <a href="https://www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australia’s current Land Cruiser 70</a>.



<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="CALTY Land Cruiser ROX - SEMA 2024 Build Episode 1 | Toyota" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xapYQC3AXV0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



The automaker’s new concept has no relation to that retro-styled bruiser, though. The Calty Land Cruiser ROX is very clearly based on the current J250 which debuted in 2021 and launched in the US last year. Calty has taken the gloriously boxy behemoth and removed everything above the doorline from the C-Pillar backward, including the D-pillar, giving the vehicle a completely roofless open-air design. Where that section of the vehicle used to be there is now a rugged-looking roll bar, to retain structural integrity, as well as a rather spacious bed and a removable soft top in case the weather makes a turn for the worst.



Those changes alone make the concept a beauty, but it’s also been equipped with plenty of off-road gear. Atop the windshield, the vehicle’s only piece of glass, you’ll find an ultra-bright LED light bar and there’s also a new bumper, protruding fender flares, and a set of monstrous all-terrain tires.



<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/clcrox02.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793026" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/clcrox02.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/clcrox02-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Toyota/YouTube</figcaption></figure>



Now for the sad part: the Calty Land Cruiser ROX is very much just a show car at this point. A video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xapYQC3AXV0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discussing the concept</a> makes clear that it is a one-off build. Still, the Tacoma and Tundra have shown Toyota that Americans love trucks, so if the company ever needs to give the Land Cruiser line-up some juice—though it <a href="https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-motor-north-america-reports-u-s-september-and-third-quarter-2024-sales-results/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has sold briskly</a> since its reintroduction—why not introduce a truck variant?

Calty Land Cruiser ROX

toyota

This New Toyota Land Cruiser Concept Is an Open-Top Ode to Off-Roading

This <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-hybrid-porsche-911-gts-1235701888/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche 911</a> is for the purists out there.



The German sports car maker has just unveiled the 992.2 generation’s Carrera T, which will be the first iteration of the variant also offered as a cabriolet. That’s nice and all, of course, but what’s most likely to appeal to enthusiasts is that the lightweight two-door will only be available as a manual.



Since its introduction all the way back in 1968, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/review-2023-porsche-911-carrera-t-1234895384/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carrera T</a> has been the 911 to turn to for performance without all the unnecessary bells and whistles. It’s not the most comfortable 911, nor the most powerful, but it’s a model for those who want the purist driving experience possible. And the 992.2 version looks set to carry on this legacy.



<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/carrerat04.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793018" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/carrerat04.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/carrerat04-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2025 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/porsche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche</a> 911 Carrera T. Image courtesy of Porsche</figcaption></figure>



The new model is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six found in the standard Carrera. But the real story here is what it comes mated to—a six-speed manual gearbox. That’s the only transmission the model is available with in 2025, unlike its predecessor which was available with either a seven-speed manual or eight-speed PDK. The gearbox sends the 388 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque produced by the engine to the rear wheels, allowing the coupé to sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and the cabriolet in 4.5 seconds. Top speed comes in at 183 mph for the former and 182 mph for the latter.



Other mechanical features include upgraded brakes, a sport suspension with adaptive dampers, and a standard sports exhaust. Lightweight construction has always been the name of the game for the Carrera T, and sure enough, the new version tips the scales at 3,316 pounds making it the lightest 992.2 generation <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-911-gt3-arrives-25th-annivesary-1235958770/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aside from the new GT3</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/carrerat03.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793017" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/carrerat03.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/carrerat03-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the 2025 911 Carrera T. Image courtesy of Porsche</figcaption></figure>



The new variant looks almost identical to the standard Carrera aside from a few details that set it apart. These include a graphic showing the manual shift pattern on the rear side windows and splashes of Vanadium Grey Metallic on the side view mirror covers, wheels, and badges. The Carrera T exterior package adds Gentian Blue accents to the mix as well. The interior, meanwhile, is a near carbon copy, aside from some stick shift accentuating details that include a manual shift pattern logo on the passenger side of the dashboard, an “MT” badge in front of the shift lever, and a unique shift knob made of open-pore walnut.



The newest 911 stick-shift can be ordered now. Pricing starts at US$135,995 (HK$1.05 million) for the coupé and US$149,295 (HK$1.16 million) for the cabriolet. Deliveries of the 2025 models are expected to begin sometime next summer.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-2025-porsche-911-carrera-t-manual-only-1235973685" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T.

911 Carrera T

Manual

Porsche

The New Porsche 911 Carrera T Is Going Manual Only in 2025

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tag-heuer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TAG Heuer</a> wasn’t about to let a chance to celebrate the legendary driver <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ayrton-senna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ayrton Senna</a> pass it by.



The Swiss watchmaker is teaming up with the late <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1</a> icon’s eponymous brand to release a special <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tag-heuer-carrera-963-chronograph-porsche-1235653719/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carrera</a> chronograph. The limited-edition timepiece is set to drop later this year to coincide with the release of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT7h6sUeUhU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senna</a>, a six-part <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/netflix/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netflix</a> mini-series based on the driver’s life that stars Gabriel Leone.



The exclusive Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna is the latest chapter in a relationship that dates back to 1988. It was during his time as a TAG Heuer brand ambassador that Senna achieved the success that made him one of the sport’s most revered figures, winning three driver’s championships—in 1988, 1991, and 1993—and setting several records on the track.



<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="Senna | Official Teaser | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LT7h6sUeUhU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



The collaboration between the driver and watchmaker culminated in the release of his first signature timepiece, the <a href="https://magazine.tagheuer.com/en/2022/05/02/the-ultimate-collectors-guide-tag-heuer-senna-special-editions/#:~:text=1994%20%2D%20THE%20FIRST%20TAG%20HEUER%20SENNA%20SPECIAL%20EDITION&amp;text=The%20TAG%20Heuer%206000%20Senna,with%20the%20driver's%20creative%20involvement." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6000 Senna Limited Edition</a>, in 1994, the same year before he tragically died following an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix. The agreement to create the watch was <a href="https://www.tagheuer.com/is/en/vintage-collection/tag-heuer-6000-series.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reached two days before the fatal crash</a> in Imola, Italy. Several references celebrating the driver have been released over the years, including two chronograph <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-new-tourbillons-2024-1235611370/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tourbillons</a> in the Carrera collection in 2018 and 2019.



The third Senna Carrera is still being finalised, but TAG Heuer has shared some tantalising details about the timepiece. The watch has been designed to be something the driver would have actually wanted to wear and features several elements that reference his life and racing career. These include a carbon bezel inscribed with a tachymeter scale that goes to 400 km/h, a reworked skeletonised dial that incorporates a checkered flag motif, and a 44 mm caseback that reveals an image of Senna with helmet.



<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/tagsennna01.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793044" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ayrton Senna with TAG Heuer watch. Image courtesy of TAG Heuer</figcaption></figure>



In addition to the exclusive release, several TAG Heuer watches can be seen in Senna, its star, Leone, recently told Robb Report. The actor, who is also an ambassador for the watchmaker, revealed that he wore two of its timepieces in the series, a Carrera 409 the driver is given by his character’s father and a Senna S/EL Link Chronograph S25.706C. The vintage watches help ground the show in the 1980s and 1990s, while also serving as a reminder of the brief-but-intense life lived by Senna.



“When you think about a watch, it’s like having time on your wrist,” Leone told us. “He loved watches, so they were important to us, not only as an object, but a concept.”



Luckily, we won’t have to wait much longer to see the finished Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna. The watch is expected to launch in November, shortly before the 4 December premier of Senna. The timepiece will be limited to just 500 pieces, and is priced at 37,000 CHF, which works out to around US$43,375 (HK$337,205).

Ayrton Senna

Formula 1

TAG Heuer Is Releasing a New Carrera Watch With Netflix’s ‘Senna’ Series This Autumn

It was one small decision for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/omega/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega</a>, one giant win for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/watch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch</a> collectors.



The Swiss watchmaker has re-released the first <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/speedmaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Speedmaster</a> that went to space, combining classic 1950s styling with modern horological innovations.



Launched in 1959, the original watch (Ref. CK 2998) was the successor to the first Speedmaster model that Omega unveiled in 1957. It featured a symmetrical 39.7 mm case, a dark bezel, and slender Alpha hands that set it apart from the previous iteration. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra famously wore the second-gen Speedy on the Mercury-Atlas 8: Sigma 7 mission of 1962, earning it the title of “first Omega in Space.” Omega did drop a model in 2012 to honour this feat but discontinued it in 2021. The “First Omega in Space” is now back, with a bold new look.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-820x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792269" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-820x1024.webp 820w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-240x300.webp 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-768x959.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A close-up of the dial. Image courtesy of Omega</figcaption></figure>



The contemporary release takes design cues from the CK 2998, maintaining the same polished-brushed stainless-steel case, triple-register chronograph display, and domed crystal. The CVD-coated dial is finished in a grey-blue hue that appeared on some CK 2998 models produced in the 1960s, while the black aluminium bezel features the signature “Dot-Over-Ninety” tachymeter bezel synonymous with the earliest Speedys. The hour markers and Alpha hands are filled with Super-LumiNova in a golden hue that gives an aged quality. In keeping with that historic feel, vintage Omega logos have been added to the dial and crown.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-819x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792270" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-819x1024.webp 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-240x300.webp 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-768x960.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The engraved caseback. Image courtesy of Omega</figcaption></figure>



The major difference between the two is the movement. The original was powered by the Calibre 321, while the modern edition is driven by the Calibre 3861. The hand-wound movement, which has the all-important Master Chronometer certification from METAS, offers the highest standard of precision, performance, and magnetic resistance, according to Omega. It has a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz) and a power reserve of 50 hours.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-819x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792271" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-819x1024.webp 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-240x300.webp 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-768x960.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The stainless-steel bracelet. Image courtesy of Omega</figcaption></figure>



The new Speedmaster also has a couple of special, sentimental touches. The caseback showcases an integrated Seahorse medallion and the engravings “Speedmaster,” “The First Omega in Space” and “October 3, 1962.” The latter is the date that the Mercury-Atlas spacecraft took off from the Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, orbiting the Earth six times, before landing in the Pacific Ocean. Schirra was the sole occupant of the spacecraft, completing the nine-hour mission with his trusty Speedmaster on his wrist.



The new Speedmaster First Omega in Space costs US$7,500 (HK$58,265) with a leather strap or US$7,900 (HK$61,375) with a steel bracelet.

Omega

Speedmaster

Omega Just Re-Released Its First Watch to Ever Go to Space

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.

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

The most expensive <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/f-p-journe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FP Journe</a> watch ever sold just hammered at Phillips for a whopping US$8.3 million (HK$64.6 million). And it breaks the record previously held by Philippe Dufour as the priciest watch by an independent watchmaker to ever sell at auction.



If the Phillips Geneva auction <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/neo-vintage-watches-from-the-80s-and-90s-get-their-own-auction-1235831494/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Reloaded: The Rebirth of Mechnical Watchmaking, 1980–1999”</a> is any indication, hype is not dead in the watch world. FP Journe cemented its status as a must-have prized collector’s darling today with the blockbuster sale, which set a new record for the watchmaker. The opening bid reportedly started at jaw-dropping US$5 million (HK$38.9 million), while the original estimate was in excess of CHF 2,000,000, or approximately US$2,360,000 (HK$18.3 million).



Previously, the most expensive watch ever sold by Journe was the FFC Blue made in collaboration with Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola—made for the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/only-watch-2021-auction-results-1234646396/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Only Watch charity auction in 2021</a>—which was purchased for approximately US$4.9 million (HK$38.1 million). It also beats Journe’s contemporary, Philippe Dufour (a fellow master of modern independent watchmaking), who had formerly held the record of the most expensive watch ever sold by an indie when his Grande et Petite Sonnerie watch <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/philippe-dufour-grande-sonnerie-most-expensive-independent-watch-1234630541/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sold at A Collected Man</a> for US$7.63 million (HK$59.3 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Journe-Remontre.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793282" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Journe-Remontre.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Journe-Remontre-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Journe-Remontre-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Journe-Remontre-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of FP Journe</figcaption></figure>



So, what makes the FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoire d’Egalité worth 7,320,000 CHF (roughly US$8,369,834/HK$65.1 million at current exchange rates)? The 38 mm manual-wind timepiece in platinum with an 18-carat movement is the watch that launched Journe’s career as an esteemed independent maker, a modern craftsman and engineer following in the footsteps of long-passed watchmaking legends such as Abraham-Louis Breguet and Antide Janvier. Launched in 1999 as a 20-piece souscription (subscription) set, the timepiece is engraved 15/93; it’s the second wristwatch ever made and the first sold by François-Paul Journe. Firsts and records aside, what was and remains fascinating about this timepiece is that it improved upon Breguet’s tourbillon system with the addition of a remontoire—a constant force mechanism that provides an equal amount of energy regardless of the winding level of the mainspring to provide even greater accuracy.



In an autumn 2016 edition of the FP Journ[al], a print newsletter put out by the brand, Journe further explained his intent: “In 1991, I embarked on a new adventure. I realised (late, I know&#8230;) that it was easier to wear a wristwatch than a pocket watch. Thus was borne by 1st tourbillon wristwatch. And I did not want to replicate (for those who know me, they know I hate to copy, it is just boring to do the same thing over and over) my first movement but come out with yet another movement, this time adding a Remontoir d’Egalite. I take this as a compliment (or at the very least a validating) that we hear now lots of watchmakers talking about the Force Constante (constant force mechanism).”



The original prototype of the watch, of course, remains in the watchmaker’s private collection. This watch is one of two subsequent creations from 1993—the other is engraved 16/93. They would serve as the foundation for the DNA of the company going forward: a 38 mm case size, gold dials, and off-set indications. The secret sauce of Journe is the ability to innovate both in design and function, while looking simultaneously modern and traditional—a formula often strived for but rarely achieved in today’s watchmaking.



The icing on the cake of this beauty is that it is one of only three watches fully handmade by Journe himself. For those that truly know watchmaking, that in of itself is enough to send this timepiece into the stratosphere, but the recognition of its US$8.3 million (HK$64.6 million) importance by the market during his lifetime is significant validation indeed for Journe.

FP Journe

Phillips

The Most Expensive FP Journe Watch Ever Just Sold at Phillips for HK$64.6 Million

Steve Kozloff is making his marine dream a reality.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Deep Sea Dreamer

Steve Kozloff

Submarine

This Insane Submarine Concept Doubles as a 107-Foot Superyacht

We knew the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/yacht-launches-boot-dusseldorf-boat-show-1235471729/2-mayla-gt-speed-3-4-front-view/">Mayla GT</a>&nbsp;would be one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/yacht-launches-boot-dusseldorf-boat-show-1235471729/2-mayla-gt-speed-3-4-front-view/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most exciting boats</a>&nbsp;at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary. The brainchild of German start-up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayla-yacht.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayla</a>, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fibre package.



Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and 1980s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4.5 tons, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 per cent while ensuring a more efficient planing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785191" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The range-topping GT can reach 110 mph. Image courtesy of Mayla</figcaption></figure>



The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybrid</a>&nbsp;powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual petrol-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (115 mph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 400 hp diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)



The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785190" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The garage has an electric transom door. Image courtesy of Mayla</figcaption></figure>



The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en-suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.



As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between US$1.74 million and US$1.85 million (HK$13.6 million and HK$14.4 million), depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull colour, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

Carbon-Fibre

Mayla

Speedboat

This 44-Foot Carbon-Fibre Speedboat Can Rocket to 110 MPH