Known by many simply as “the Domaine” to honour the esteem in which it is held in Burgundy, <a href="https://www.romanee-conti.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Domaine de la Romanée-Conti</a> is a historical institution core to French culture and symbolism, and as celebrated as the Arc de Triomphe or Napoléon Bonaparte. 



Is it any surprise that 1,000 fine wine professionals from 120 countries voted the Domaine the Golden Vines® World’s Best Fine Wine Producer for three years running? Thankfully, for the rest of the fine-wine world, they can only win the award three times in a decade, so Vega-Sicilia was able to win the crown in 2024. 



For any lover of Burgundy wines, a visit to the estate in the village of Vosne-Romanée is a right of passage. The problem is that getting an invite is harder than seeking a fireside chat with the King of England. Thankfully, in September 2012, my wine mentor and friend, the late, great Gérard Basset, managed to wangle an invite for the two of us to barrel-taste with the now-retired head winemaker, the tall and very redoubtable Bernard Noblet. 



Towards the end of the tasting, Bernard asked Gérard what year his son, Romané (named after the Domaine), was born: “1999,” Gerard answered. Bernard then said he was off. Five minutes later, Bernard returned with a bottle of 1999 Grands-Echézeaux. For Gérard, a man who had tasted many of the world’s greatest wines through a long and storied career which included being crowned World Champion Sommelier in 2010, this wine, drunk in the near darkness of the underground cellars at the Domaine, was one of the greatest wines he had ever tasted. The taste lived long in the memory.



The Domaine’s key assets are its vineyards. Other than perhaps Chambertin Grand Cru and Musigny Grand Cru, it either owns outright as a monopole—La Romanée-Conti and La Tâche—or co-owns all of the greatest Grands Crus in Burgundy—Richebourg, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Grands Echézeaux, Echézeaux, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne (on a long-term lease), and, of course, the greatest white wine vineyard in the world, Montrachet. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that many consider its wines the greatest in the world of wine. 



Domaine de la Romaneé-Conti is the wine world’s most valuable “old-school” brand, with a deep history of tradition and excellence. Perrine Fenal, the new co-director of the estate since the premature passing of Henri-Frédéric Roch in 2019, made it abundantly clear to me that the Domaine is concerned about tradition, history, and producing the best wines from the vineyards inherited from past generations of hard-working, dedicated vignerons whose life-work was “the Domaine, and only the Domaine.” There is no interest in encouraging high prices, facilitating wine investors to purchase their wines in the secondary market, or promoting a luxury-image for their wines. Indeed, luxury is the antithesis of what they believe in: “It’s not our truth,” says Perrine, “we are here to make the best of the treasures we have inherited from the Cistercian monks and our forefathers, and we shouldn’t put our legacy in danger by highlighting the price label on our wines—it’s not the light we wish to shed on the Domaine.” 



As you would expect, the prices of the Domaine’s wines change hands at record prices, including a bottle of the famed La Romanée-Conti 1945 which sold at a 2018 Sotheby’s auction in New York for a world-record price of half-a-million dollars. Wine investors’ top buying choice, the Domaine’s wines are viewed by the market as investment-grade, ultra-premium luxury products that will forever rise in value, irrespective of the original price paid. Occasions of actually drinking these prized assets are becoming ever rarer, unless you are extremely rich, have little regard for money, or death is fast approaching!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spinach_domaine_de_la_romanee-conti_2010-scaled-1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795760" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spinach_domaine_de_la_romanee-conti_2010-scaled-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spinach_domaine_de_la_romanee-conti_2010-scaled-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spinach_domaine_de_la_romanee-conti_2010-scaled-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spinach_domaine_de_la_romanee-conti_2010-scaled-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spinach_domaine_de_la_romanee-conti_2010-scaled-1-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spinach_domaine_de_la_romanee-conti_2010-scaled-1.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lewis’s Best 3 Wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti</h2>



La Tâche 2010: A wine that still has a long trajectory ahead of it. I was wowed by the aromas of rose petals, potpourri, and sweet cherry. A wine of power and grace, structured fine tannins and an intense energy running through the mid-palate. And then there’s the finish, which seems to run forever.  



La Romanée-Conti 1991: With only a thimble of a serving at a Burgundy La Paulée party, and heady after having drunk around fifty wines beforehand, I can only remember that the wine was majestic and superlative. Nothing else really matters, does it?!



La Tâche, 1978: I tasted this wine once, almost two decades ago, but still remember the taste like it was yesterday. From one of the most iconic Burgundy vintages, ethereal floral aromas mixed with delightful delicate meaty and black earthy notes. Seemingly weightless as the liquid crossed my tongue, there was an enormous amount of power and depth which built into a long and memorable finish.



The 2025 edition of the Golden Vines awards will take place in Miami between 7–9 November. <a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquidicons.com</a>



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

burgundy

The Domaine

Wine

Wine Column

Why Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Remains Burgundy’s Most Iconic Wine Estate

Egon Müller, the “Wein Keiser,” is a man who transcends not only his wine region, but his country. Twice winner of the Golden Vines® Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe (2021 and 2023), as voted by 1,000 fine wine professionals from 120 countries, there’s a good argument to say that Müller is consistently making the best fine wines on the planet. Once you have tried them, it’s hard not to fall in love.



Curious fact: Egon’s son is called Egon, his father was called Egon, his grandfather was called Egon, his great-grandfather was called Egon (and even his now-deceased Irish Wolfhound was called Egon). This highlights the importance of continuity at the estate and how winemaking is so deeply rooted in the Müller family over many generations.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794872" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg.webp 709w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



As a keen collector of Egon’s wines, I have often tried to work out why his wines are better than those of other German Rieslings. Of course, there are some amazing German wines, in particular, JJ Prum, Eva Fricke (the newest rising star), and the glorious dry Rieslings from Klaus Peter Keller. But none of these touch the heights and consistency of Egon’s wines. The answer probably lies in the Scharzhofberg hill that is immediately behind Egon’s house where the grapes for the majority of Egon’s wines come from.



As Egon’s father, Egon Müller III, famously stated: “There’s nothing more aristocratic than nature.” Scharzhofberg was always considered one of the top vineyards in all of Germany. South-facing, some distance away from the river Saar, the vineyard was considered a cooler site that has benefited from global warming.  Weathered slate above compressed clay soils, the grapes from Scharzhofberg produce a very concentrated, high acidity wine in good vintages.



Egon’s winemaking is no different in essence to that of his forefathers. He doesn’t use skin contact, and likes to cold settle (15 degrees centigrade) for 24-hours into stainless steel. The juice then goes into old fuders (large old barrels) or stainless steel tanks with fermentation finishing around Christmas time. The wines are then sulphured to stop fermentation, helped by the very low pH levels of the Scharzhofberger wines. The wines are left in the fuders untouched until January when the lees will have settled; after which they are racked and filtered, and bottled around March.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="533" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794873" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg.webp 800w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



Egon makes a number of wines from entry level “Schwarzhof” Riesling QbA all the way to the mind-blowing, £10,000-plus-per-bottle (approximately HK$95,915) Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) sweet, botrytis (noble rot) wine that is one of the most ethereal pleasures life can ever give. The good news is that every wine is great, and the lower-end wines are very affordable and, frankly, too cheap for the quality you are getting.



To explain the German wine laws—undoubtedly the most complicated in the wine world—would bore you to tears. What you need to remember is that the sweeter the wine, the more expensive the wine as they are made in much smaller quantities. Higher sugar concentration wines in the same category are known as Goldkapsel: for instance, Egon sometimes makes an Auslese and an Auslese Goldkapsel. To add to the complexity, many of the best barrels of wines are sold off as Auktion wines in the annual Mosel Valley Auction, and are rarer and more expensive still.



If you’re put off by the fact that the wines are sweet, don’t be. They work wonderfully well with Indian and Asian food, and the acidity makes the sweetness less noticeable than you’d expect.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="622" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-622x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794874" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-622x1024.webp 622w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-182x300.webp 182w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-768x1265.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-932x1536.webp 932w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg.webp 1243w" sizes="(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Best Wines from Weingut Egon Müller</h3>



Weingut Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA), 2018: Tasted just after bottling, I was blown away by this heartstopper. The acidity overwhelms the sweetness such that it’s very moreish and easy to drink despite the “thickness” of the liquid. Golden, treacly textured and audaciously complex for such a young wine with just 5.5 per cent ABV, it was one of life’s great experiences to taste. 



Weingut Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Beerenauslese (BA), 1988: A marvel of a wine. Ripe apricot notes, with hints of sweet spices, and wonderful fresh acidity that cuts the sweetness in half, with a long, glorious finish. 



Weingut Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Eiswein, 1983: Viscous, deep copper-gold-coloured nectar with an incredible bouquet of treacle, flowers, and stone-fruit that is so thick, it does not easily fall back into the glass after swirling. The acidity fizzes on your tongue. The wine has 260 grams of sugar and a whopping 14 grams of acidity per litre. One of less than 300 bottles made from this legendary vintage that obtained the record price for a German wine at the time it was sold at the Mosel Valley Auction in 1984. The aftertaste is endless. One of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. 



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

Best Fine Wine

Golden Vines

Wein keiser

Wine P:roduer

Meet “Wein Keiser” Egon Müller, One of the World’s Most Consistent Fine Wine Makers

<a href="https://robbreportmonaco.com/author/lewis-chester/"></a>The famed castle frontage of <a href="https://yquem.fr/int-en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Château d’Yquem</a> dates from the days of Léon de Sauvage d’Yquem in 1711, before the estate passed through marriage to the long-time owners, the de Lur-Saluces family.  The history behind this château is simply unrivalled. Thomas Jefferson was enraptured by d’Yquem, in particular the 1784 vintage. Perhaps the most famed vintage of all was the “comet” vintage of 1811 which is on every d’Yquem lover’s bucket list. The 1855 Classification, which still resonates today, rated d’Yquem Premier Cru Supérieur, acknowledging that it was deemed higher than any other wine in the Bordeaux region. 



The sweetness in the wine comes, not from adding sugar, but from botrytised berries (known as Botrytis Cinerea or noble rot) that develop on the skins of the berries due to the micro-climatic conditions of the Sauternes region. Production costs for noble rot grapes are much higher than for still wine grapes, as it takes teams of experienced pickers to select only the best grapes over multiple tries or passages that they make in the vineyard over a period of weeks. Making sweet wine is not for the fainthearted or for those without a big balance sheet to support them.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-03-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem-2048x1366.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793741" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-03-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem-2048x1366.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-03-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem-2048x1366.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-03-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem-2048x1366.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-03-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem-2048x1366.jpg-1536x1025.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-03-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem-2048x1366.jpg.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Luckily for d’Yquem, LVMH bought the property in 1999 and have been dedicated to keep quality at the highest level, whereas many of their neighbours have dropped theirs to account for falling demand. Indeed, it is one of the wonders of the fine wine world why d’Yquem is always so superior in quality than anyone else in Sauternes or Barsac, the two principal villages making sweet wine in Bordeaux. Although the terroir, perched on the highest hill in the area (up to 80 metres), surrounded by large gravelly pebbles that store heat, and clay soils that retain water greatly assist in producing a majestic wine, we cannot ignore the custodians of the past and present, the de Lur-Saluces and now LVMH, in preserving the vineyard and investing into the wine. 



There is a misconception that sweet wines are either bad for your health and/or bad for the waistline.  In fact, the key criteria is actually the level of alcohol in the wine.  Alcohol has seven calories per gram, whereas sugar has four calories per gram. The level of sweetness is therefore less influential than the level of alcohol. At around 13 per cent ABV and people typically only having one glass of d’Yquem to satisfy themselves, the health and dietary programme is actually much better suited with d’Yquem than drinking two glasses of claret or Napa wine. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-The-Estate-Option-01-Copyright-G.-Uferas-for-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793742" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-The-Estate-Option-01-Copyright-G.-Uferas-for-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-The-Estate-Option-01-Copyright-G.-Uferas-for-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-The-Estate-Option-01-Copyright-G.-Uferas-for-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-The-Estate-Option-01-Copyright-G.-Uferas-for-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-The-Estate-Option-01-Copyright-G.-Uferas-for-Chateau-dYquem.jpg.webp 1620w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Château d’Yquem © Gérard Uféras</figcaption></figure>



Nonetheless, the reduced amount of sweet wine being drunk today is in stark contrast to the past. Indeed, from the 18th century until the mid-20th century, most connoisseurs viewed the wines of Château d’Yquem—as well as other great sweet wine estates—as the very best expression of quality to be found in the wine world.  Modern palates have not found favour with our forefathers. 



For many of my wine loving friends, Christmas lunch tends to be the time when they whip out a favourite vintage of d’Yquem.  However, I don’t subscribe to this rule. I regularly try to pair d’Yquem not only with dessert or cheese, but also with first course dishes instead of white wine. Drinking a younger d’Yquem with a fish or egg course can be a truly enlightening pairing. What is beyond doubt is that these wines are among the very best expressions of fine wine available in the world today, and deserve their place at the top table. Like the phonetic translation in Mandarin, Château d’Yquem is a “drop of gold.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best 3 Wines from Château d’Yquem&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="866" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-04-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-1024x866.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793743" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-04-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-1024x866.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-04-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-300x254.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-04-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem.jpg-768x650.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chateau-dYquem-–-Bottles-Option-04-Copyright-Chateau-dYquem.jpg.webp 1417w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Château d’Yquem 2001: When Pierre Lurton, the CEO of the estate, told me that the wine we were about to drink would last over 100 years, I suspected he was engaged in marketing talk. However, he was probably right. A wine of exceptional balance, vibrant acidity, exhibiting tons of honied fruits and sweet spices, and a sumptuous finish. Exceptional.



Château d’Yquem 1989: My go-to d’Yquem to serve at important occasions. I love the power, complexity, and silky texture of this wine. The marzipan, marmalade, and saffron notes are incredible alongside hints of tobacco aromas from the wood ageing. It also has continued to improve as time has passed—always an indicator of greatness.



Château d’Yquem 1945: A close friend told me this wine would be a disappointment, but in fact it was a revelation. Orange peel, bergamot, smokiness, nuts, and crème brûlée, and a thick dark coloured liquid that reminds you how well d’Yquem can age. Will be interesting to try alongside the 1811 vintage… at some point in my life!



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

Lewis Chester

wine producer

Discover the Sweet Secrets of Iconic Wine Producer Château d’Yquem

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

I recently viewed some of my old tasting notes, including a bottle of 2001 Harlan Estate tasted in October 2007: “Left-Bank Bordeaux aromas with ripe black fruit, powerful but refined mid-palate and an exciting finish—my first-ever Harlan!” English wine lovers generally don’t buy heaps of American wines, often having preconceived conceptions that they are all likely to be alcoholic fruit bombs. However, Harlan produces majestic wines that rank among the very best in the world.



In adding a Californian estate to my World’s Best 12 Fine Wine Estates, I debated long and hard between Ridge Vineyards and Harlan Estate. After all, Ridge makes one of my favourite wines, Ridge Monte Bello, in a European style that is still underrated and under-appreciated by many American collectors. 1,000 fine wine professionals from 120 countries voted Ridge the Golden Vines® Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas in 2021, 2022, and 2023—above Harlan that ranked consistently in the top three. But the clincher for me was that the Harlan family also produces two other wines that are close to the level of Harlan Estate: Promontory and Bond. For this reason, the Harlan family—rather than just Harlan Estate—more than justify the ranking. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="945" height="630" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0078-Harlan_031222.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792257" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0078-Harlan_031222.jpg.webp 945w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0078-Harlan_031222.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0078-Harlan_031222.jpg-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /></figure>



Bill Harlan had been in the real estate business when, in the early 1980s, he followed through on a lifelong dream to establish a wine-growing estate, modelling the endeavour on the Bordeaux Left-Bank First Growths. In 1984, his vision for creating a “First Growth” of California began with the purchase of a 240-acre tract of land—33 acres of which are under vine—on east-facing volcanic soils situated on the western side of Oakville in Napa Valley. “My dad wanted to build something that would be in the family for generations, and which could produce wines that might someday be considered among the fine wines of the world. He planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, a small parcel of Merlot, and a very small parcel of Petit Verdot,” Will Harlan, Bill’s son who now runs the estate, told me.



Bill Harlan’s vision became a reality. Producing less than 3,000 cases annually at a release price of US$1,700 (HK$13,210) per bottle, the 2023 Liv-Ex Classification (inspired by the 1855 Bordeaux Classification to determine a hierarchy of the leading global fine wine estates) places Harlan Estate as the only non-French fine wine label in the top ten (10th place). Screaming Eagle, also from Napa Valley, is the next highest-placed Californian wine in 23rd place.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="945" height="630" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0001-Harlan_031222.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792258" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0001-Harlan_031222.jpg.webp 945w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0001-Harlan_031222.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/0001-Harlan_031222.jpg-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /></figure>



Will Harlan took over the stewardship of the family’s wine holdings in 2020, although his father remains the chairman and founder, and the two—along with his sister, Amanda—remain closely united on their long-term vision. “My father and I are aligned one thousand per cent on where we want to go and what we feel the potential is, with regards to deciphering the language of the land and translating that into the wine.” 



One of their shared beliefs is in evolution, rather than revolution. “We’re coming up to our 40th anniversary next year. Our understanding of the vineyard, the vines, and the soils have improved greatly over time. We have dialled back on many of the inputs at Harlan Estate. The vineyard is now almost entirely dry farmed [no irrigation], the harvest date has moved forward, extraction is gentler, and therefore we have removed the layers obscuring the essence of the wine.”  The result is wine that is different from those which many Francophiles associate with Napa Valley. There can be a profound elegance and refinement, especially in recent vintages.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="751" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-tankroom-2.jpg-1024x751.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792259" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-tankroom-2.jpg-1024x751.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-tankroom-2.jpg-300x220.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-tankroom-2.jpg-768x564.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-tankroom-2.jpg.webp 1296w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



Harlan Estate, 2019: This is the wine that really showcases the evolution of the vines and the “dialling back of the inputs” that Will Harlan had explained. Dark ink in colour, the nose is still quite primary, but exhibits black fruits, liquorice, and a eucalyptus note. The tannins are remarkably soft, and there are no obvious oaky notes. The wine is very fine, and defined by fresh acidity which gives it an attractive lift in the mid-palate, and a savoury long finish. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-Estate-2019-Bottle-1338-Harlan_011323.jpg-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792260" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-Estate-2019-Bottle-1338-Harlan_011323.jpg-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-Estate-2019-Bottle-1338-Harlan_011323.jpg-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-Estate-2019-Bottle-1338-Harlan_011323.jpg-768x1152.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Harlan-Estate-2019-Bottle-1338-Harlan_011323.jpg.webp 945w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



Harlan Estate, 1995: A wow wine that is still remarkably fresh and vibrant, and is as good as most First Growths from that period of time. Bright dark berry fruits, hints of eucalyptus, and forest floor—a firm but full mid-palate and a long satisfying finish. 



Harlan Estate, 1993: An early expression of Harlan Estate, the wine was made from seven-year-old vines. A ringer for a high-quality expression of aged Left-Bank Bordeaux, the nose was complex with floral petal notes, tobacco, chocolate, sweet spices, dark fruits, and liquorice. In the mouth, the wine was still full of fruit with a good amount of fresh acidity and a cool menthol, eucalyptus taste on the long finish.



The 2024 edition of the Golden Vines awards will take place in Madrid between 25–27 October 2024. <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.<a href="https://robbreportmonaco.com/home/art-collectibles/vo-vapen-swedish-rifle-maker-blending-tradition-with-innovation/"></a>

Harlan Estate

Napa Valley

Napa wines

A Deep Dive Into Napa’s Leading Fine Wine Estate—and the Bottles to Sample

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Aviation

Business jet

corporate jet

private

Private Jet

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

It’s never too early to start planning a vacation. Just ask <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/four-seasons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons</a>.



The hospitality giant just unveiled its <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private jet itineraries</a> for 2026, giving travellers a chance to book their next adventure a good two years in advance. Designed by a team of experts, the six journeys allow jet-setters to explore far-flung destinations in five-star luxury. You’ll fly the globe in the fully customised Four Seasons <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/airbus-new-acj320neo-jet-details-2898688/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus A321Neo</a> and stay in lavish Four Seasons hotels along the way. More importantly, guests can partake in curated experiences a cut above the typical tour.



“Our goal is to create connections with travellers of this generation and the next, fostering a legacy of transformative experiences that extend far beyond the journey,” Marc Speichert, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Four Seasons, said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788550" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">History connoisseurs can visit famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal. Image courtesy of Four Seasons</figcaption></figure>



The itineraries cater to a wide range of travellers, with differing lengths and routes. The 16-day <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/asia-unveiled-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asia Unveiled</a> trip, for instance, takes guests on a deep dive into the East, with stops in Tokyo, Bali, Angkor Wat, Hoi An, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Bangkok. Other adventures, like the 21-day <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/international-intrigue-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Intrigue</a> journey, cover many global destinations from the African savannah to the city of Paris.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788549" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wellness enthusiasts can indulge at Four Seasons Resort Maldives. Image courtesy of Markus Gortz</figcaption></figure>



Similarly, the experiences on offer are designed to appeal to a myriad of personality types, from culture vultures and history nerds to thrill-seekers and gourmands. On the <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/african-wonders-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African Wonders</a> trip, fitness buffs can join a Maasai guide for a nature walk in the Serengeti and then chill out in a meditation session led by an expert yogi. During <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/timeless-encounters-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timeless Encounters</a>, explorers can take a submarine scooter to Bora Bora’s renowned diving spots. With International Intrigue and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asia</a> Unveiled, wellness enthusiasts indulge in lavish treatments at the Island Spa within Four Seasons Resort Maldives. Asia Unveiled also allows foodies to embark on a sushi masterclass with a Michelin-starred chef in Tokyo, while International Intrigue gives gluttons the chance to craft six courses with celebrated chefs in Mexico City’s local markets. In addition, history connoisseurs can visit famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal on <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/timeless-encounters-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timeless Encounters</a>. That is just a taste of the experiences on offer, too.



The 2026 itineraries range from 13 to 21 days and cost between US$159,000 and US$229,000 (HK$1.24 million to HK$1.78 million) per person. To start planning your trip, visit the <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons website</a> or email the team at fourseasonsjet@fourseasons.com.

Four Seasons

Private Jet Trips

Four Seasons’ Private Jet Trips Will Take You to Asia, Africa, and Beyond in 2026

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

boom supersonic

Boom’s Supersonic Jet Just Broke the Sound Barrier

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/delta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delta</a>&nbsp;is stepping up to a new level of luxury.&nbsp;



In an effort to win over its top spenders, the airline is boosting its premium offerings both in the sky and on the ground. The Atlanta-based carrier has begun rolling out high-end perks for fliers including everything from <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/delta-new-cabin-seat-design-1235956235/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly designed cabins</a> to a slew of swanky DeltaOne Lounges, The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/delta-doubles-down-on-luxury-to-attract-high-end-fliers-a53ca758?mod=hp_minor_pos7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> on Friday. The recent investments come amid a growing demand for upgraded services and an uptick in passengers who are willing to shell out extra for amenities while travelling. With this strategic push, Delta foresees its premium ticket revenue exceeding its main cabin by 2027 and says more than half of its current revenue comes from premium experiences.



As for what the airline has in store, it recently unveiled two exclusive new lounges in New York and Los Angeles. <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/delta-one-lounge-lax-1235936318/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">At LAX</a>, the 10,000-square-foot space has seating for nearly 200 guests and offers a year-round sushi bar, plus a wellness room with relaxation pods, massage chairs, Hyperice compression boots, and amenity kits from luxury brand <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/missoni/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missoni</a>. Over on the East Coast, Delta opened its inaugural <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/delta-first-premium-lounge-jfk-june-opening-1235541384/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delta One Lounge at JFK</a> this summer and plans on launching two additional outposts in Boston and Seattle. Contrary to other airlines, the exclusive lounges are only accessible to those who opt for business class. “It’s drawing people to that ticket,” Delta’s chief financial officer Dan Janki told the newspaper.



In October, Delta also revealed new cabin designs and seating across its fleet ahead of its centennial anniversary. The Boeing 757 aircraft will be first in line to undergo a redesign with a focus on high-end finishes. The actual layout won’t change, but in Delta One business class, expect to find a more breathable wool-and-nylon blend instead of leather on lie-flat seats. Beyond that, the plane is installing mood lighting that coincides with cabin activity.



“Delta has a 100-year history of creating a customer experience that feels welcoming and thoughtful with intentional design elements woven into every aspect of a customer’s travel,” Mauricio Parise, the vice president of customer experience design at Delta, said in a <a href="https://news.delta.com/delta-unveils-new-cabin-interior-across-its-fleet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press statement</a> at the time. “As we embark on our next century of flying, this refreshed cabin interior infuses utility with beauty to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, elevated, and timeless while reflecting our customers’ evolving tastes and expectations.”



Delta is upgrading its in-flight dining and hospitality experiences, too. Last month, the airline announced a <a href="https://news.delta.com/now-boarding-delta-serve-shake-shack-burgers-flights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partnership with Shake Shack</a> on flights out of Boston in 2025. First-class passengers on routes over 900 miles will be able to order a Shake Shack cheeseburger on their flight, served with a side of chips, a Caesar salad, and a dark chocolate brownie. The company also levelled up its wine programme by partnering with master <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sommelier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sommelier</a> Andrea Robinson.



The next step, Delta chief executive&nbsp;Ed Bastian told the&nbsp;WSJ, is ramping up its strategy with&nbsp;private flights thanks to its investment in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/private-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private aviation</a>&nbsp;firm&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/wheels-up-reinvent-brand-1235415283/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wheels Up</a>. “We’ve got some work to do,” Bastian&nbsp;said. “But eventually, it’s going to be our next step on our premium ladder.”&nbsp;

delta

Delta airlines

Luxury Travel

Delta Is Pulling Out All the Stops to Woo Luxury Travellers

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

boeing starliner

starliner spacecraft return

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

More than a residential enclave, the Peak encapsulates the history of Hong Kong and serves as a symbolic pinnacle of its success and resilience.&nbsp;Rising majestically above the Victoria Harbour, the Peak has long been hailed as the pinnacle of luxury living in Hong Kong. Since the colonial era, this elevated haven has been reserved for society’s most privileged, offering a rare blend of exclusivity, prestige, and natural beauty.



It’s here that Hong Kong’s iconic skyline converges with serene, verdant greenery, granting a fortunate few breathtaking views of the city and the ocean beyond, cool mountain breezes, and an unrivalled escape from the frenetic energy below.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794406" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Peak’s timeless appeal stems from its blend of history, natural beauty, and architectural sophistication. Over a century of careful preservation and reinvention has solidified its reputation as Hong Kong’s most sought-after address and one of the world’s best-known residential locations—a legacy that Wheelock Properties has seamlessly woven into its portfolio of prime properties across this enclave.&nbsp;



As a subsidiary of the 150-year-old Wheelock and Company, Wheelock Properties has grown alongside Hong Kong, having shaped the city’s urban landscape and become one of its most respected names in real estate.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Storied Past</h3>



The Peak’s transformation into arguably Asia’s most luxurious residential address began in the mid-19th century when British colonial settlers sought refuge from Hong Kong’s tropical humidity. Rising over 500 metres above sea level, Victoria Peak—simply known as “the Peak”—offered a cool, verdant retreat that quickly became synonymous with privilege.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794467" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Grand mansions and sprawling estates soon dotted the landscape, creating a community that epitomised exclusivity. Access to the area improved dramatically with the construction of the Peak Tram in 1888, allowing wealthy expatriates to ascend with ease. In the 20th century, the Peak’s exclusivity transformed, no longer dictated by legislation but by the financial means required to attain it, ensuring its accessibility remained restricted to a privileged few.&nbsp;



Today, the Peak serves as a cultural and architectural time capsule, a place where heritage whispers through every tree-lined driveway and meticulously preserved estate. For many families, homes on the Peak are cherished legacies, passed down through generations.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Where Taipans Call Home</h3>



Among the prestigious addresses of the Peak lies Plantation Road, affectionately known as “Bankers Road.” Its storied history is tied to the financial elite, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when expatriate taipans and senior bankers of leading financial institutions such as HSBC and Standard Chartered established grand residences along this prestigious avenue.



“More than a residential enclave, the Peak encapsulates the history of Hong Kong and serves as a symbolic pinnacle of its success and resilience. Here, every street and home tell a story. Plantation Road, or as many know it—‘Bankers Road’—is iconic because it has always been home to some of the most influential figures in this city’s history,” says Ricky Wong, managing director of Wheelock Properties.



Perched on an elevated hillside, tucked away from the main road and accessible via a peaceful driveway, properties on Plantation Road offer unique vantage points overlooking either the tranquil greenery of the Peak or the iconic harbour. Some homes even boast the best views of both worlds.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1 Plantation Road: A Bespoke Masterpiece</h3>



One of Wheelock Properties’ newest jewels, 1 Plantation Road is a bespoke collection of 20 meticulously crafted residences. Each home is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of its owners, featuring expansive gardens and interiors adorned with handpicked materials, balancing aesthetics and functionality seamlessly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794398" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



“Each home we build has its own identity. At 1 Plantation Road, no two houses are alike because we understand that discerning buyers seek unique residences that reflect their values—lifestyle, privacy, and harmony with their surroundings,” Wong adds, noting that sustainability is another priority for today’s discerning buyers. “That’s why 1 Plantation Road also incorporates advanced green building features, vertical greenery, and filtered water systems, to name a few.”&nbsp;



Even the private garage is designed to evoke the comfort of home. “When owners drive back, they aren’t greeted by a cold, utilitarian concrete box but by a warm, inviting space that feels like home sweet home,” he describes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Peak Collection</h3>



In addition to the 1 Plantation Road development, the company’s Peak Collection offers an array of equally remarkable residences, each uniquely embodying a commitment to innovation and heritage preservation.



A tribute to colonial elegance, 77/79 Peak Road comprises eight luxury houses that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. European-inspired interiors, enhanced by contemporary functionality, are set against a backdrop of verdant greenery, ensuring an atmosphere of exclusivity.



Widely celebrated as the “Crown Jewel of The Peak,” Mount Nicholson—a collaboration between Wheelock Properties and Nan Fung—offers a harmonious mix of apartments and houses. Architecturally designed by the world-renowned Robert A. M. Stern Architects, each residence is meticulously crafted with expansive layouts and breathtaking views, complete with the starchitect’s signature neo-classical stylings.



For those with an appreciation for nostalgia, Strawberry Hill captures the charm of The Peak’s mid-20th-century heritage. Originally built in the 1970s, this oceanfront townhouse development has been thoughtfully modernised, blending vintage allure with contemporary comforts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Crafting a Legacy</h3>



Not only are these developments super-prime homes, but they are also experiences, according to Wong, meticulously designed to honour the legacy of the Peak. At the heart of this approach is a dedication to preserving history, promoting sustainability and crafting timeless designs.



“It’s about crafting an ecosystem where people can thrive—families, nature, and history all co-existing harmoniously,” says Wong. This philosophy extends to preserving natural features, such as the century-old trees integrated into properties like 77 Peak Road. “These trees are not just features; they’re part of the history.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From the Peak with Love</h3>



For the select few who seek to become part of the Peak’s storied legacy, Wheelock Properties has a showroom in the heart of Central, an exclusive space that offers a peek into the design and craftsmanship of its prestigious residences and a panoramic overview of its Peak Collection.



“Matching the right home with the right owner is like courtship. It takes time to understand which home aligns with one’s lifestyle. Each home we create is distinct, and building a relationship of trust is equally important. Only through this mutual understanding can we move forward together to introduce a home where one reckons this is ‘the one,<a>’</a>” Wong tells&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong.



All images courtesy of Wheelock Properties.

Hong Kong Property

legacy property

property

VIctoria Peak

Wheelock Properties

A Legacy Lived, a Legacy Continued: Wheelock Properties Offers Prime Living on Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak

A convenient city location in a secure and private community has always been a hallmark of luxury living. Everyone dreams of a private enclave tucked away from the rush of the city, yet with all the access to everyday conveniences—an exclusive neighbourhood where comfort meets contemporary design, and a home with liveable spaces that reflect your needs and style. But this luxury can come at a cost—a hefty one.



<a href="https://www.m-residences.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M Residences</a>, the estate development by <a href="https://vconsunji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victor Consunji Development Corporation</a> (VCDC), defies this notion by providing attractively priced landed homes that unlock a wealth of possibilities that can boost one’s life and style.



The property brand has built its reputation on offering exclusive enclaves of beautifully designed homes that set a fresh benchmark for metropolitan living. It continues to deliver on this promise with M Residences Katipunan, the brand’s fifth and latest development.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Metropolitan Living in Prime Locations</h3>



Like its predecessors, this new M Residences project is situated in a strategic area that’s close enough to modern conveniences but still enjoys the privacy offered by a gated residential community. Located in the rapidly developing area of Katipunan Extension in the northeastern part of Metro Manila, M Residences Katipunan maintains easy access to establishments of note, including top-rate schools and universities, vibrant malls, sizeable hospitals, green spaces, and recreational places.



With major highways and public transportation options nearby, residents will also enjoy seamless connectivity to other parts of the city, making exploring the area effortless.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="663" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-3-1024x663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795767" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-3-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-3-300x194.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-3-768x497.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-3-1536x994.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-3-2048x1325.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Victor Consunji Development Corporation</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Homes that Evolve With Its Owners</h3>



This master-planned oasis counters the bustle by providing a gated residential expanse that ensures the peace, security, and privacy its residents deserve. Access to the community will reveal a network of landscaped roads that will soon be lined with well-designed units that, even if they share the same aesthetic, will be built differently to reflect the lifestyle needs of each of its residents.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="663" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-3-1024x663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795769" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-3-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-3-300x194.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-3-768x497.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-3-1536x995.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-3-2048x1326.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Victor Consunji Development Corporation</figcaption></figure>



Three contemporary home types, which are available from two- to as much as eight-bedroom configurations, offer a harmonious fusion of space and functionality. With floor areas that range from 99 to 337 square metres, M Residences homes all include parking for at least two cars, a staff room, and provisions for pocket gardens. The cosy and compact Aerin, the expandable Elise townhouse, and the spacious Kiara each provide an efficient use of space, abundant storage, and a flexible open-space layout that allow homeowners, from successful professionals to growing families, to move walls, add rooms, and even floors to provide for their evolving requirements.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795770" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Victor Consunji Development Corporation</figcaption></figure>



“This has been one of M Residences’ core values from the start. In all home types, we offer our homeowners the opportunity to tailor the layout to suit their unique preferences and to cater to their needs at different phases in their lives,” says VCDC founder and CEO Victor Consunji.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A New Way to Enjoy an Urban Lifestyle</h3>



Each home at M Residences Katipunan will feature a new Brutalist design that is a distinct departure from the modern tropical aesthetics featured in preceding M Residences developments. Brutalism first became popular in the 1960s but has seen modern revival in recent years across southern Asia and the rest of the world. Following the tenets of the iconic architectural style, the homes at M Residences Katipunan will feature a raw concrete structure that’s softened by warm wood details.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="614" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5-2-1024x614.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795772" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5-2-1024x614.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5-2-300x180.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5-2-768x461.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5-2-1536x922.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5-2-2048x1229.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Victor Consunji Development Corporation</figcaption></figure>



The M Residences Katipunan community goes beyond the home to embrace the lifestyle that comes with it. On top of having a low-density space in a safe and secure neighbourhood, residents will enjoy an extensive range of amenities at the stunning Lifestyle Club, a new feature to be launched at M Residences Katipunan. Set at the entrance of the complex, the club will house a business centre where residents can work and hold meetings, a spa that will offer a range of treatments to soothe both mind and body, and a Bedrooms on Demand facility, with accommodations for rent should residents have visiting guests.



“M Residences has always strived to unlock opportunities for homebuyers and provide them with the foundation on which to build their lives, and our Katipunan development is no exception. In an area dominated by both low-rise and high-rise condominiums, and where landed property is usually astronomically priced, M Residences Katipunan’s homes offer a tempting proposition for discerning homebuyers seeking a dynamic and well-rounded living experience,” Consunji expounds. “Our established expertise enables us to develop premium townships in desirable locations with attractive price points and the added value of space and privacy, not to mention the flexibility to design and personalise one’s own home. All these factors underscore M Residences Katipunan’s status as a distinctive development within the dynamic landscape of Katipunan Extension.”



For more information, visit <a href="https://www.m-residences.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">m-residences.com</a>.

Katipunan

M Residences

M Residences Katipunan

Real Estate

VCDC

Victor Consunji Development Corporation

M Residences Unveils Its Fifth Development in Katipunan

In the epicentre of Hong Kong, a city synonymous with luxury and commerce, legendary auctioneer Christie’s has established its new Asia-Pacific headquarters at The Henderson. This monumental move not only signifies the auction house’s commitment to the region but also reflects a broader trend in the art market, one that is increasingly influenced by Asian collectors and their growing appetite for fine art. Francis Belin, president of Christie’s Asia-Pacific, recently shared insights into this strategic transition in an exclusive interview with Robb Report Hong Kong and what it means for the future of art auctions in Asia.



<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="Leaders of Luxury: Francis Belin, President of Christie’s Asia-Pacific" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VAQZlH_WD3U?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 decision to relocate to The Henderson, a whopping 50,000 square feet of gallery and exhibition space with high-ceilings and an open, versatile real estate with movable walls and smart lighting, is rooted in Christie’s recognition of the burgeoning market for art in Asia.



“This is the new crown jewel of Christie’s globally,” Belin says, highlighting the importance of a dedicated space in Asia-Pacific that mirrors the established auction houses in London, New York, and Paris. Christie’s new regional headquarters are designed not just for auctions and sales, but to host a year-round programme of exhibitions and events aimed at engaging a variety of collectors and fostering a deeper appreciation for art. It’s the marriage of commerce and community that the city has been missing among art and culture.



Hong Kong’s unique position as a hub for art, watches, jewellery, vintage porcelain, bags, accessories, and just about anything under the vast umbrella of the term “luxury transactions” cannot be overstated. Belin notes that approximately 80 per cent of the value transacted by collectors in Asia originates from the Greater China region, and this demographic shift has positioned Hong Kong as the focal point for operations in Asia, allowing the auction house to engage directly with its clientele and cultivate relationships that transcend mere transactions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_36_08_28.still014-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792963" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_36_08_28.still014-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_36_08_28.still014-300x169.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_36_08_28.still014-768x432.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_36_08_28.still014-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_36_08_28.still014-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Belin’s journey into the art world is particularly fascinating. Despite not having a formal education in art, his upbringing in a family of collectors instilled in him a profound appreciation for beautiful objects. His academic background in business and psychology has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the luxury art market.&nbsp;



“Collecting is not merely about wealth preservation; it is about finding one’s identity and emotional connection to objects,” he explains. Belin’s philosophy resonates deeply in a market where emotional engagement often drives purchasing decisions. He emphasises the importance of understanding the stories behind the artworks—stories that add layers of meaning and value beyond the palette and their monetary worth. In an era where art is increasingly seen as an asset class, this focus on narrative and provenance is crucial for collectors seeking to make informed decisions, he explains.



Christie’s new headquarters are not just a local endeavour; it is part of a wider global strategy. With offices spanning Mumbai to Tokyo, Christie’s is interconnected with its international counterparts, allowing for a seamless exchange of information and expertise. As Belin notes, this interconnectedness is essential, with a significant portion of the value sold in Hong Kong being purchased by international clients. The global nature of the art market also means that Hong Kong auctions are often a melting pot of cultures and influences, creating a unique atmosphere that distinguishes them from sales in New York or London. Belin highlighted the importance of having a team of specialists on the ground who are attuned to local tastes while remaining connected to global trends. This dual approach enables Christie’s to curate auctions that resonate with both local and international collectors.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_34_48_17.still020-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792960" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_34_48_17.still020-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_34_48_17.still020-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_34_48_17.still020-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_34_48_17.still020-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_34_48_17.still020-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Describing the atmosphere at a Christie’s auction, Belin conveys a sense of excitement that permeates the room. “Christie’s is a very unique place,” he states as we walk by a library of rare art books, “where the essence of eternity meets the fast-paced world of commerce.” Each auction is an emotional journey, not just for the bidders but for the specialists and staff who curate these exceptional collections. The thrill of witnessing a piece of art change hands often transcends the financial aspects, creating a bond between the collector and the artwork.



Belin recounts a particularly memorable auction, where the price of a piece soared dramatically in the final minutes, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the volatile market. Such moments underscore the exhilarating blend of strategy and emotion that defines the auction experience, which must be witnessed in person for the palpable tension. Just look at how&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/monets-nympheas-just-sold-for-a-staggering-hk233-million-at-auction" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christie’s first auction in its new home</a>&nbsp;skyrocketed past the billion-dollar mark.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_38_04_04.still019-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792962" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_38_04_04.still019-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_38_04_04.still019-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_38_04_04.still019-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_38_04_04.still019-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/francis_belin_interview.00_38_04_04.still019-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Looking ahead, Belin is optimistic about the future of art collecting in Asia. He believes that as collectors become more sophisticated, their interests will evolve, leading to a broader appreciation for various forms of art, including contemporary pieces and lesser-known artists. “There’s a wealth of talent in the region that is yet to be fully recognised,” he says, pointing to the potential for Asian artists to gain prominence on the global stage. “The interest is there; it is gaining momentum.” Moreover, the integration of technology in the auction process is set to transform how collectors engage with art. Online platforms and virtual previews have made it easier for a broader audience to access the auction experience, democratising the art market to some extent. Belin views this evolution as an opportunity to reach new collectors, particularly younger generations who are more comfortable with digital mediums.



When discussing luxury, Belin offers a nuanced perspective that goes beyond mere opulence. For him, luxury is intrinsically linked to beauty and emotional connection. “It’s not just about rarity or exclusivity,” he explained. “True luxury is about the experiences and emotions that objects evoke.” This philosophy is evident in Christie’s offerings, where each piece carries its own narrative, inviting collectors to become custodians of history.



Belin’s vision for Christie’s in Asia is one of growth, connection, and emotional engagement. As the art market continues to evolve, Christie’s stands poised to embrace these changes, fostering a deeper appreciation for art in a region that is rapidly becoming a powerhouse of collecting. The new headquarters are not just a testament to Christie’s commitment to Asia, but a beacon of the vibrant future that lies ahead for the art world in the region.



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

auctions

Christie's

Christie's Asia Pacific

Francis Belin

The Henderson

Christie’s Asia-Pacific’s Francis Belin on a New Home at The Henderson, a Diary Full of Pending Auctions, and Emotional Connection

Annually, we highlight Lunar New Year special-edition bottles from the finest brands in town. Last year, much was ballyhooed about the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/lunar-new-year-2024-3-luxurious-spirits-to-celebrate-the-year-of-the-dragon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Year of the Dragon</a>&nbsp;and the designer bottles that dropped; before that, the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/martell-celebrates-the-year-of-the-rabbit-with-a-limited-edition-of-its-lor-de-jean-martell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Year of the Rabbit</a>&nbsp;saw a very special bottle, and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/ruinart-blanc-de-blancs-arrives-in-guangcai-painted-second-skins-at-the-k11-craft-guild-foundation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruinart</a>&nbsp;released a gorgeous artistic drop the year before that. Well, this Lunar New Year, artists and artisans have gone all out once again, collaborating with those who quench our thirst.



As the Lunar New Year approaches, the anticipation for exquisite offerings moves from slow sizzle to the full rage of red. Fine grapes are working overtime to deliver. It is the Year of the Wood Snake, after all, so tapping on those wooden casks and crates, we have found just the right timbre with Penfolds, Hennessy, and Rémy Martin.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795175" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-150x150.png 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



Australian winery Penfolds uncoiled its 2025 Lunar New Year gifting range from the vast stable, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Its limited-edition collection epitomises sophistication and cultural significance, appealing to connoisseurs and collectors alike.&nbsp;



A symbol of elegance and transformation, the snake serves as the muse for this remarkable series. Each gift box is a visual delight, adorned with a unique gold-embellished design that features the snake gracefully traversing the surface in various angles—an artistic representation of its agility and allure. Such thoughtful design is not merely for aesthetics; it pays homage to the zodiac, enhancing the experience of gifting during this auspicious season.



Among the highlights of this collection are the flagship wines, including the revered Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 and the celebrated Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022. Bin 707, a quintessential representation of Penfolds’s house style, is crafted from intensely flavoured fruit, matured in new oak to achieve a harmonious balance. First vintaged in 1964, this full-bodied Cabernet has garnered a reputation that places it firmly among Australia’s finest. Its limited availability adds to its allure, making it a coveted addition to any wine cellar.



Similarly, the Bin 389, often affectionately dubbed “Baby Grange,” showcases the best of both worlds by marrying the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz. Its roots trace back to 1960 when the legendary Max Schubert first crafted this wine, which has since become a benchmark for red wines. Presented in both 750 ml and magnum formats, the 2022 release is perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.



Another gem in the series is the RWT Bin 798 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2022, which redefines what Barossa Valley Shiraz can achieve at the highest quality level. Born from a project that began in the early 1990s, RWT, standing for “Red Winemaking Trial,” has evolved into a contemporary and opulent expression. With its aromatic qualities and plush texture, this wine promises a delightful experience, whether enjoyed upon release or savoured over the years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CLVrbnI7-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795353" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CLVrbnI7-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CLVrbnI7-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CLVrbnI7-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CLVrbnI7-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CLVrbnI7-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



In celebration of Lunar New Year, Hennessy has unveiled a stunning limited-edition collection for 2025, honouring the Year of the Snake. A unique collaboration with Chinese fashion designer Qiu Shuting, this launch seamlessly marries tradition with innovation, encapsulating the essence of renewal and transformation that the snake symbolises.&nbsp;Titled “Reimagination,” the collection features striking, abstract representations of snakes that gracefully adorn the carafes of Hennessy’s iconic VSOP, XO, and Paradis Cognacs.



Drawing inspiration from her cultural heritage in Hangzhou, Qiu integrates vibrant colours and intricate patterns reminiscent of ancient Chinese brocade, expertly reflecting the texture of the snake’s scales.&nbsp;Hennessy’s Paradis edition emerges as a luxurious masterpiece, featuring a sculptural snake motif that embodies elegance and prosperity. Each bottle is exquisitely presented in a recyclable gift box, making it an ideal choice for festive gifting or as a centrepiece for New Year celebrations.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795174" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-150x150.png 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rémy Martin</h3>



Rémy Martin has collaborated with renowned Chinese artist Huang Yuxing to create a series of exquisite gift boxes for its Rémy Martin XO and Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal. Celebrated for his imaginative interpretations, Huang’s artwork, “Majestic Serpentine,” has just the right amount of regalia, and the bottle masterfully blends the new zodiac sign with the distinctive terroir of Cognac’s Grande and Petite Champagne.&nbsp;



Vibrant designs on the XO casing and carafe feature striking serpents and mountains, diverging from the traditional Lunar New Year palette of red and gold—simply the most auspicious of colours. The 1738 Accord Royal canister showcases Huang’s colourful motifs, perfectly complementing the long-barrel toasted Cognac. The full-bodied warmth that this smooth elixir provides is exactly what you need this winter.



All images courtesy of their respective brands.

Chinese New Year Drinks

Hennessy

Lunar New Year drinks

Penfolds

Remy Martin

special edition

Yay of the Snake

year of the snake drinks

Lunar New Year 2025: 3 Luxurious Spirits to Celebrate the Year of the Snake

One of Japan’s top steakhouses is coming to town for three nights only.



From 12 to 14 March 2025, <a href="https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/dining-destination/the-steak-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Steak House</a> at Regent Hong Kong will host Osaka’s acclaimed Kitan In for an exclusive four-hands dinner showcase. “A Celebration of Wagyu” will see The Steak House head chef Amine Errkhis and Kitan Group CEO and chef-owner Takeshita Hiroyuki presenting a menu centred around the prized beef ingredient.



Kitan In, part of the Kitan Group, specialises in seasonal aged Wagyu dishes served in an omakase format, and counts such honours as ranking No. 4 on the Top 20 Japan list by World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants and repeat appearances on Yakiniku Top 100 among its accolades. Bookings are hard to come by, with reservations often snapped up months in advance.



Both Kitan In and The Steak House are recognised on the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list, making this special collaboration an especially exhilarating treat. “Since being awarded one of the World’s 101 Best Steakhouses, The Steak House at Regent Hong Kong has initiated a series of collaborations with fellow awardees on this prestigious list. We are excited to share with our guests a bespoke collection of exceptional cuts from around the world,” says Errkhis.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795821" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Takeshita Hiroyuki of Kitan In.</figcaption></figure>



On the menu, diners can expect such courses as the Miyazaki Wagyu with black truffle tartare, smoked bone marrow with Oscietra caviar, mini dry-aged Wagyu bites, beef consommé, dry-aged Wagyu sushi, aged Miyazaki Wagyu steak with seasonal garden garnish, USDA Prime rib-eye cap with thousand-layer potato beef drippings, and more.



“Growing up as the son of a Wagyu cattle farmer, my deep connection to Wagyu was established early on,” Takeshita shares. “Born in Miyazaki prefecture, I was surrounded by the Wagyu industry in my hometown of Miyakonojo. From a young age, I spent time on my relatives’ farms, many of whom were involved in farming; this connection inspired me to become a chef so I could contribute to sharing the incredible ingredients created by my family and friends.”



Armed with expertise in cooking with top-quality ingredients and respect for their provenance, as well as the dry-ageing know-how that Kitan In brings to the table, the chefs believe that the collaboration will be an ideal platform to show the nuanced flavours and textures of Wagyu.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795820" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amine Errkhis of The Steak House.</figcaption></figure>



Errkhis explains that “[our] styles complement each other in a showcase of creativity and a celebration of Wagyu prepared in a myriad of cooking styles [to] reveal the different textures, flavours and versatility of Wagyu, with each dish crafted using diverse cooking techniques that reflect our respective culinary traditions and expertise as well as the finest ingredients.



“Sourcing premium ingredients is key; the best beef from around the world is essential to our craft. When it comes to preparing steak, our foremost goal is to let the beef be the star of the plate. Our approach to cooking is rooted in simplicity and authenticity. We prepare the steak in a way that highlights its natural qualities, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of its flavour. We intentionally avoid overpowering the palate with excessive seasonings or complex sauces. Instead, we want our guests to fully appreciate the authentic taste of the steak itself.”



“In my culinary approach, I combine my expertise in French techniques with an intimate knowledge of Wagyu and a dedication to innovation,” Takeshita describes. “In our restaurants, we embrace a Japanese philosophy by utilising seasonal ingredients and sourcing Japanese beef from my hometown; the menu reflects this commitment with a twist on traditional Japanese essence, featuring dishes like mini dry-aged Wagyu bites and dry-aged Wagyu sushi.”



“Chef Amine and I are curating a rare culinary journey that reveals the different textures, flavours and versatility of Wagyu, with each dish crafted using diverse cooking techniques that reflect our respective culinary traditions and expertise as well as the finest ingredients,” affirms Takeshita. “Our goal is to honour the rich heritage of Wagyu while pushing culinary boundaries, ensuring that every steak served is not just a meal, but a memorable experience.”



With the chefs working together to create a harmonious connection between the two restaurants’ culinary methodologies, this collaboration sounds like a meal to remember.



For booking enquiries, click <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/rhksteakhouse/101-best-steak-restaurant-collaboration-a-celebration-of-wagyu-with-japan-s-acclaimed-kitan-in-and-the-steak-house-at-regent-hong-kong-6675147738857472" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<a href="https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/dining-destination/the-steak-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Steak House</a>



Lower Level, Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 2313 2313



All images courtesy of Regent Hong Kong.

Kitan In

Regent Hong Kong

The Steak House

Wagyu

Acclaimed Osaka Steakhouse Kitan In Is Coming to Hong Kong For a 3-Night Collaboration

mandarin oriental

Mandarin Oriental Muscat

Muscat

Oman

What It’s Like to Stay at Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, an Enchanting Oceanfront Resort in Oman’s Port Capital

In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury services, few sectors have been as transformative as postnatal and maternal care. At the forefront of this revolution is Saint Bella, a pioneering brand&nbsp;group&nbsp;dedicated to providing high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) with a unique and luxurious experience during one of life’s most significant transitions: the arrival of a new child.&nbsp;



The driving force behind this revolution is&nbsp;Danny&nbsp;Xiang, the company’s founder and CEO, whose blend of elite academic credentials and entrepreneurial grit reads like a modern legend.&nbsp;A quintessential “golden child” by any measure, Xiang’s trajectory has been extraordinary.&nbsp;



At 18,&nbsp;Xiang&nbsp;received admission offers from seven world-class institutions, ultimately choosing Oxford, where he fast-tracked and completed a master’s&nbsp;degree&nbsp;in Biomedical Engineering by 23. From there, he launched a successful career in finance with UBS, and was&nbsp;swiftly promoted to director of UBS Asia’s Healthcare Investment Banking division. It was during this period that he identified untapped potential in the wellness consumer market. Never one to shy from bold decisions, the tenacious visionary walked away from the security of a lucrative banking career in 2017 to pioneer China’s postpartum care centre industry—a niche he would redefine through entrepreneurship.



In a mere seven years, Xiang has steered Saint Bella to become Asia’s largest and fastest growing postpartum care and recovery group, expanding its footprint to nearly 80 high-end locations across more than 25 cities worldwide. Leveraging its unique asset-light business model, the company has achieved rapid year-on-year growth. Based on revenue growth rates from 2021 to 2023, Saint Bella is also the fastest-growing large-scale postpartum care and family wellness group in China.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saint-bella-danny-xiang-leaders-of-luxury-2-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795643" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saint-bella-danny-xiang-leaders-of-luxury-2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saint-bella-danny-xiang-leaders-of-luxury-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saint-bella-danny-xiang-leaders-of-luxury-2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saint-bella-danny-xiang-leaders-of-luxury-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saint-bella-danny-xiang-leaders-of-luxury-2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/saint-bella-danny-xiang-leaders-of-luxury-2-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Danny Xiang.</figcaption></figure>



We spoke to the company’s visionary founder, Danny Xiang, who shared exclusive insights with Robb Report Hong Kong into the ethos behind Saint Bella, its innovative approach, and the future of maternal care.



“What makes Saint Bella a unique solution for HNWI&nbsp;customers?” ignited the conversation as we began, eager to understand Saint Bella’s positioning within a competitive market. Xiang responds, “Traditional confinement centres have often been austere and lacking in the comforts that modern clients expect. You couldn’t even take a shower. You can’t have coffee, you can’t wash your hair, you can’t have air-conditioning—the list is long! The restrictions filtered down from years of tradition but&nbsp;lack of&nbsp;scientific support. We are bringing in a scientific approach, a modern maternity solution that integrates&nbsp;high-quality&nbsp;lifestyle services into the maternal experience.”



Saint Bella’s humble beginnings can be traced back to&nbsp;2017,&nbsp;when&nbsp;Xiang established&nbsp;the&nbsp;mother-and-baby care brand&nbsp;to help families across the region,&nbsp;alongside a comprehensive nursing&nbsp;care training system. In the early stages of his entrepreneurial journey,&nbsp;Xiang&nbsp;faced significant challenges while attempting to revolutionise postpartum care in luxury hotels. Initially adopting a&nbsp;“light-asset”&nbsp;model, he sought partnerships with high-end establishments, only to encounter repeated rejections from hotel executives who found his innovative approach too unconventional. Undeterred,&nbsp;the enterprising founder&nbsp;leveraged his prestigious academic background and investment banking experience to persistently engage decision-makers, ultimately securing a pivotal partnership with Park Hyatt Hangzhou.



Simultaneously,&nbsp;Xiang&nbsp;tackled the industry’s biggest flaw: undertrained&nbsp;staff. By creating a rigorous nursing training system,&nbsp;he&nbsp;set a new benchmark for&nbsp;professional and high-quality care.&nbsp;By integrating his services within luxury hotels, he&nbsp;not only&nbsp;reduced&nbsp;investment costs but also elevated the&nbsp;overall&nbsp;experience, laying the foundation for Saint Bella’s success.



Indeed, Saint Bella has distinguished itself by collaborating with some of the most luxurious hotel groups in the world, such as&nbsp;Waldorf Astoria, The Peninsula, and Four Seasons, among a host of other top-tier hotel and resort brands familiar to a global vernacular. This strategic partnership allows the company to leverage the hotels’ exceptional facilities, creating a bespoke environment for their clients. “We’re not just renovating confinement centres; we’re reimagining the entire experience,” Xiang explains. “Postnatal care was mostly inherent in hospitals and clinics, all very sterile and cold. We want the first month of maternity and paternity to be warm, comforting, and without worry.”



Saint Bella’s commitment to quality is evident in its rigorous training programmes for staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Unlike traditional centres, we’ve built a training school, collaborating with MIT professors to develop a world-class syllabus,” Xiang explains. “Our caregivers aren’t just trained—they’re certified to the highest global standards.” In a field where quality care shapes maternal and infant well-being, this commitment is transformative.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18日圣贝拉0058-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794711" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18日圣贝拉0058-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18日圣贝拉0058-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18日圣贝拉0058-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18日圣贝拉0058-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18日圣贝拉0058-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Saint Bella.</figcaption></figure>



In an age where technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer experience, Saint Bella has not shied away from innovation. The integration of artificial intelligence is simply going to be the next inevitable step: “We launched an AI platform that uses disruptive technologies to transform the traditional service model. Our AI agents can assess daily requirements and provide solutions according to individual needs.”



The potential for AI to enhance maternal care is, in a word, staggering. “Imagine being able to proactively offer customers the support they need based on the data they provide—even before she feels she needs the help,” the founder proposes, breaking down the path for holistic care. “This level of personalised care is what makes us truly exceptional. For example, if a new mother has a restless night, by the time she wakes up, our staff would be prepared to ensure that she is well-rested for the following night – whether it’s sleep optimisation, dietary adjustments, or holistic wellness support. Whatever her predicament, we will have a solution ready on standby.”



Over the subsequent years, under his visionary leadership, the company experienced substantial growth, strategically integrating upstream and downstream industries through targeted investments and acquisitions. This approach facilitated the creation of a holistic family care ecosystem, along the length and breadth of industry, an all-encompassing one-stop venture that can care for someone from first to last breath.&nbsp;Saint Bella’s offerings extend beyond just maternal care; they encompass a complete and comprehensive approach to family wellness. “We don’t just provide care for new mothers; we offer long-term value for families,” Xiang explains.&nbsp;



As the founder articulates his—and, in essence, the company’s—vision, it is clear the ambition and potential of Saint Bella has no bounds: “We aim to create a seamless experience that meets the diverse needs of our clients. It’s about nurturing not just the mother, but the entire family unit, from the stage of planning a baby to postpartum care. We’ve even broached elderly care, especially in countries with an ageing population. Wellness at every stage of life stems from extensive research and constant development.”



Up to now, the company has successfully established a portfolio of renowned brands, including Saint Bella, Baby Bella, Bella Isla, Guanghetang, S-bra, and more. Its business spans multiple sectors such as maternal and infant care, family parenting,&nbsp;nutritional products, and even beauty treatments designed specifically for new mothers.&nbsp;Through the strategic development of a diversified brand matrix, the group has built a comprehensive family care service system that covers the entire lifecycle—from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to infant care for children aged zero to three, and even elderly care. This approach not only meets the diverse care needs of different families but also sets a benchmark in the industry. The growth model of Saint Bella is now being studied and emulated by the industry.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023.04.05-圣贝拉2-4031021-拷贝-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794713" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023.04.05-圣贝拉2-4031021-拷贝-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023.04.05-圣贝拉2-4031021-拷贝-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023.04.05-圣贝拉2-4031021-拷贝-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023.04.05-圣贝拉2-4031021-拷贝.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Saint Bella.</figcaption></figure>



As the brand expands internationally, navigating cultural differences becomes crucial. “We are aware that postpartum care varies significantly across cultures,” he notes, as what is commonplace in Asia may seem entirely alien in a foreign market. “In Western societies, our approach may be novel, but we are blending&nbsp;the ancient wisdom of postpartum care that is deeply rooted in Asian traditions&nbsp;with Western sensibilities to create a seamless, globally relevant experience. We’re even phrasing it differently as ‘baby&nbsp;honeymoon’ in the US,” making it more palatable to a Western customer base unfamiliar with the ancient concept of such extensive, deep-rooted postnatal care.&nbsp;



At its core, Saint Bella offers more than just care—it&nbsp;delivers peace of mind. “We’re not just providing services; we’re&nbsp;creating lasting memories and stories,” Xiang says. “Bringing a baby into the world should be joyful, not exhausting. In 2025, why should new parents endure stress, sleepless nights, and no time for self-care? We have the means to change that.”



Looking ahead, Xiang shares&nbsp;his ambitions for the growth of Saint Bella. “Our goal is to&nbsp;continue to select high-quality targets globally to open new stores&nbsp;in the next decade,” he says, revealing a strategic plan in the works. “We want to serve 100,000 customers annually and&nbsp;gradually incubate six to seven retail brands related to the industrial chain, each with a scale exceeding US$100 million. Ultimately, we aim to establish a brand incubation system and replicate a brand group similar to LVMH within the family care industry.”



To achieve this, the company is focused on harnessing technology and data to enhance their offerings further. “We envision a future where AI tools can provide tailored solutions for every aspect of maternal care,” says Xiang, noting that health tech is the next frontier to embrace within maternal care. “We are building a robust database that will allow us to anticipate client needs and offer proactive support.”



In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of sustainability, Saint Bella is also committed to eco-friendly practices. “We prioritise sourcing sustainable products and implementing environmentally friendly practices,” the founder stated. “Our clients expect luxury, but they also care about the impact of their choices on the world.”



Despite its successes, the maternal care industry faces significant challenges, particularly in the regulatory landscape. “One of the biggest hurdles we encounter in several countries is the lack of government support for private maternal care services,” the founder laments. “In many places, the focus is heavily on public services, which makes it difficult for private enterprises to thrive.” Instead, the founder advocates for a shift in policy: “We need governments to recognise the importance of maternal care as an essential service and support its growth. Insurance coverage for maternal-care services should be standard, allowing more families access to high-quality care.”



As Saint Bella expands, Xiang stays ahead by analysing socio-economic trends. “Market research drives our growth—we target regions with strong spending power and rising demand for luxury services. Our customers are guiding our next moves, with cities like New York, London, and Singapore topping the list. Instead of chasing the market, the market is coming to us.”



This data-&nbsp;and customer-demand-driven approach has allowed Saint Bella to strategically position itself within lucrative markets. “In first-tier cities like Hong Kong, the potential for growth is significant,” the founder notes, mentioning that there are already five locations in Hong Kong where the company has branched out. “We are focusing on areas where we can make the most impact and build a loyal customer base.”



When asked what luxury means to them, he succinctly articulates not just his, but essentially the company’s philosophy: “Luxury is about time and experiences. It’s about creating moments that families will cherish forever. Our mission is to elevate those moments and help families embrace the beauty of new beginnings.”



In this light, luxury is not merely a product or service; it’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of Saint Bella’s operations. “We are building a legacy, one that will pass down through generations,” the founder reflects. “Our first customers are now starting families of their own, and we want to be there for them every step of the way.”



“We are excited about the future,” Xiang concludes with palpable enthusiasm for what it holds. “Our mission is to ensure that every family experiences the joy of welcoming a new life with love, care, and unparalleled support. This is just the beginning.”

Danny Xiang

Leaders of Luxury

Saint Bella

Saint Bella Founder Danny Xiang on the Evolution of Luxury Postnatal Care

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Aston Martin

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/genesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genesis</a>&nbsp;is going after one of auto racing’s biggest prizes.



The Korean luxury marque has just launched a new&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/motorsports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motorsports</a>&nbsp;team called Genesis Magma Racing. The outfit plans to enter its first prototype racer, the GMR-001 hypercar, in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026.



Genesis is following in the footsteps of other high-end marques, like Cadillac and Lamborghini, by focusing its attention on endurance racing first. The new team will be overseen by Cyril Abiteboul and intends to field two hypercars in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA (International Motorsports Association (IMSA) series, starting in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The team has already lined up two drivers for WEC races, current champion André Lotterer and Luis “Pipo” Derani, both of whom will contribute to the GMR-001 development.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793987" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 Image courtesy of Genesis</figcaption></figure>



“As we look to push the boundaries of our brand, motorsport allows us to bring the spirit of hyperspeed—which drives how we create and innovate—in a way that aligns perfectly with our core values: Audacious, Progressive, and Distinctly Korean,” Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’s chief creative officer, said in a statement.



Genesis also offered up a first glimpse at the GMR-001. The all-new vehicle will compete in the Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) category and will feature a bubble cockpit, giant fenders over each wheel, and an even bigger rear wing. Technical details about the futuristic racer are all being kept close to the chest at this point, but class rules require it to have a hybrid system and make around 670 hp. Car and Driver reports that that a turbocharged V-8 will be at the heart of the powertrain. Expect details to start filtering out as we get closer to the car’s 2026 debut.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793988" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Genesis</figcaption></figure>



The establishment of a motorsports team is also another sign that Genesis is serious about upping its performance credentials. Earlier this year, the marque announced a new sub-brand called Magma that will build a sportier version of the marque’s cars and SUVs. The line’s first vehicle is an over-the-top <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-electrified-g80-refreshed-extended-wheelbase-1235685371/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G80</a> variant that comes outfitted with a wide-body kit and a specially tuned powertrain that makes over 400 hp. Another special edition based on the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-unveils-first-ev-gv60-crossover-1234631254/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GV60 EV</a> is said to be on the way as well.

Genesis

Hypercar

motosport

This New Genesis Hypercar Will Race at Le Mans in 2026

<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/fascinating-facts-mclaren-1235611308/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLaren</a> won its ninth Formula 1 Constructor’s Championship last season, a testament to its current and former racing prowess. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mclaren/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLaren</a> is still celebrating, in fact, with new exclusive editions of its Artura and 750S supercars with parts inspired by their F1 win.



The MCL38 Celebration Edition Artura and MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S are both signed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren’s F1 drivers in 2024. Only nine of each car will be produced, McLaren says, with a livery that looks an awful lot like their F1 car, featuring McLaren’s famous papaya and anthracite.



Each version of the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-mclaren-artura-spider-1235693091/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artura</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mclaren-750s-reveal-1234834803/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">750S</a>—the Spider version of the latter <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mclaren-750s-spider-2025-robb-report-car-of-the-year-1236203394/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was Robb Report’s 2025 Car of the Year</a>—will feature a plaque commemorating the F1 championship, made in part from bodywork from the marque’s 2024 F1 car.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17117-mcl38-celebration-edition-3-artura-e1739980333274.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795703" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17117-mcl38-celebration-edition-3-artura-e1739980333274.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17117-mcl38-celebration-edition-3-artura-e1739980333274-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17117-mcl38-celebration-edition-3-artura-e1739980333274-768x433.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of McLaren</figcaption></figure>



The signatures of Norris and Piastri are visible on the interior, on a sill cover on the seat headrest, along with a champions’ laurel. There are actually two plaques on each car, one made in part with the carbon-fibre bodywork from the F1 race car, and another plaque that McLaren calls a “track record plaque.” That one is perhaps more interesting, since it lists every pole position, race win, and fastest lap time from a McLaren car in the 2024 season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17114-mcl38-celebration-edition-6-750s-e1739980261578.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795704" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17114-mcl38-celebration-edition-6-750s-e1739980261578.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17114-mcl38-celebration-edition-6-750s-e1739980261578-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Original-17114-mcl38-celebration-edition-6-750s-e1739980261578-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of McLaren</figcaption></figure>



The MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S features a couple more papaya accents, and both the 750S and the Artura have the number nine in a star logo. Under the hood, the Artura isn’t different from other versions of it, powered by a 3-litre V-6 hybrid powertrain, while the 750S has a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V-8.



McLaren did not announce the pricing of the MCL38 Celebration Edition Artura or the MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S, but the Artura starts at around US$250,000 (approximately HK$1.94 million), and the 750S starts at around US$318,000 (approximately HK$2.47 million). So buyers of the MCL38 Celebration Edition <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cars</a> can expect a hefty premium on top of that.



All 18 of the cars are likely already spoken for anyway, since McLaren buyers tend to be fans of McLaren’s F1 team, and there aren’t many better ways to celebrate McLaren’s constructor’s championship triumph than with a new McLaren. For future observers trying to discern which trim Artura or 750S they are looking at, the star-logo nine should be the most immediate giveaway.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/mclaren-mcl38-celebration-edition-photos-1236227984/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the McLaren MCL38 Celebration Edition cars.

750S

Artura

Formula 1

Lando Norris

McLaren

Oscar Piastri

Supercars

These New Ultra-Exclusive McLaren Supercars Celebrate Its Latest F1 Championship

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ford</a> raced in the Dakar Rally <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ford-raptor-t1plus-truck-dakar-rally-1235774814/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for the first time this year</a>, in a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-2023-ford-f-150-raptor-r-1234792160/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raptor-branded</a> race truck called the Raptor T1+ and even finished on the podium with Mattias Ekström and his co-driver Emil Bergkvist placing third. Now, Ford says it might be making an <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-2023-ford-f-150-raptor-r-1234792160/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">off-road Raptor</a> supercar. Or perhaps an off-road Raptor supertruck. Or perhaps just an extremely capable off-road Raptor.



“We’re in the middle of creating something, so we don’t have all the answers yet, but the question is should Ford make an off-road supercar? Not a version of a car, a standalone supercar,” Ford CEO Jim Faley <a href="https://www.topgear.com/car-news/supercars/ford-debating-road-raptor-supercar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told Top Gear</a> recently. “People don’t understand about off-road racing how compliant the damping is and that makes it a totally different experience to being in a [Porsche 911] GT2 RS&#8230; That’s what we’re trying to answer. What do we do on a utility car? Is there a supercar? That’s what we’re debating now.”



Ford introduced the Raptor branding in 2010, first on the F-150 SVT, later expanding Raptor as an off-road nameplate for the Ranger, a mid-size truck, and the Bronco, a mid-size SUV. The competition includes the Ram 1500 TRX and the Chevy Silverado ZR2, though it sounds like Ford is thinking a bit bigger than that.



Top Gear speculates that a true Raptor supercar or supertruck would make 1,000 horsepower while still having a suspension loose enough for bumps off-road. That truck wouldn’t be what Ford raced at the Dakar Rally—Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance, said the Raptor T1+ is the “ultimate Ford Raptor”—but it would be a slightly bonkers exercise in brand building if nothing else. That’s because, as Farley points out, a race truck, with its compliant damping, is an entirely different proposition than a Porsche 911, even with several hundred or even 1,000 horsepower.



It would be fun, however, which might be mostly what Ford has in mind.

Dakar Rally

Ford

Raptor

Ford Wants to Build an Off-Road Raptor Supercar

The smaller of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a>’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/best-station-wagons-2844825/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">performance wagons</a> just got a significant performance bump.



The German automaker’s performance division just unveiled a more powerful version of the M3 Touring called the CS. Unfortunately, its latest Competition Sport variant isn’t currently destined for the US but that doesn’t make it any less impressive.



As the name may have given away, the M3 CS Touring is a long-roofed version of the exclusive <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/bmw-m3-history-1236078921/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M3</a> CS sedan BMW unveiled at the Daytona 500 in 2023. The performance four-door wears a body kit that gives its already sculpted shape even more edge. The kit includes several carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic elements, including on the hood, front splitter, mirror housings, and rear diffuser (the material is also used throughout the otherwise unchanged interior cabin). 



Other model-specific details include yellow headlights like those found on the company’s GT race cars and red accents on the rear spoiler. The wagon is available in four colours—British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White, and Sapphire Black Metallic—and with either matte black or gold bronze wheels.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring03.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795537" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring03.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring03-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring03-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BMW M3 CS Touring. Image courtesy of Uwe Fischer/BMW</figcaption></figure>



The M3 CS Touring features the same upgraded powertrain found in the sedan it shares a name with. It may not be as hardcore as one of the company’s CSL variants, but its revised 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six makes an impressive 543 hp and 479 ft lbs of torque. That’s a bump of 20 extra horses over the standard wagon, while torque remains the same. The mill comes mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission that splits power to all four wheels and comes equipped with the automaker’s M Driver’s package. BMW claims that the added oomph will allow the wagon to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, to 124 mph in 11.7 seconds, and to a top speed of 186 mph.



Other mechanical upgrades include a retuned chassis, a new exhaust system, and an optional carbon-ceramic brake that can be painted either red or gold. The extensive use of carbon fibre, in and out of the vehicle, has also seen its curb weight fall by 33 pounds to 4,078 pounds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring08.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795538" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring08.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring08-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/m3cstouring08-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the M3 CS Touring. Image courtesy of Uwe Fischer/BMW</figcaption></figure>



Sounds mighty enticing, right? The M3 CS Touring does have one major flaw, at least if you live in the US, and that is that, at least for the time being, there are no plans to bring it across the Atlantic. BMW did bring over a wagon version of the M5 last year, so here’s hoping this changes at some point in the near future.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-first-ever-bmw-m3-cs-touring-wagon-1236187682/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the BMW M3 CS Touring.

M3 CS Touring

BMW Just Unveiled an Even More Powerful M3 Station Wagon

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Super Sub!



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/u-boat-worx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U-Boat Worx</a>’s just-launched, ruby-red flagship may have more in common with the original 1950s Superman than the colour of his cape. The Dutch submersible builder has released images of one of the world’s fastest personal subs, with manoeuvring capabilities that should make it a natural for the next Bond movie.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-01-Open.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795252" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-01-Open.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-01-Open-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-01-Open-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The design has the lithium batteries and thrusters at the rear so the pilot and passengers can enjoy the view. Image courtesy of U-Boat Worx</figcaption></figure>



The three-person submersible has a “droplet-shaped hull,” according to U-Boat Worx, and “advanced wing configurations” that deliver a top speed of 10 knots (most personal subs do about three knots and dolphins about seven knots) and the ability to make steep 45-degree climbs and sharp turns at depth. That’s like comparing the speed and manoeuvrability of a supercar to the family SUV. Besides basic forward, up, and down movements, the Super Sub can also move laterally, which gives it more precise handling on approaching objects like reefs or wrecks, or in a current.



“It’s a first-class ticket to explore the ocean like never before, combining speed, safety, and sophistication in every dive,” said U-Boat Worx marketing manager Roy Heijdra in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RR_MV_012225_1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795251" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RR_MV_012225_1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RR_MV_012225_1-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RR_MV_012225_1-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The cockpit blends comfort and technology. Image courtesy of U-Boat Worx</figcaption></figure>



Hyperbole aside, the Super Sub is an advanced design, starting with the cockpit, which has two front passenger seats behind the large acrylic bubble for exceptional viewing in all directions. The pilot is seated behind, so the guests or owners can enjoy the best view. The seats have five-point harness seatbelts because the ride can get kind of wild at full tilt.



The Super Sub’s touchscreen display shows all relevant navigational data as part of the U-Boat Worx Information System (UIS). Safety features such as Maximum Depth Protection, which prevents the sub from descending beyond its 300-metre (1,000-foot) depth limit, and the Deadman’s Switch (which a passenger can trigger to automatically ascend if the pilot is incapacitated) give some sense of the technology behind the design. The sub also has an “auto-heading” feature, equivalent to autopilot, which keeps the submersible on its current heading over long stretches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-02-Closed.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795250" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-02-Closed.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-02-Closed-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Super-Sub-02-Closed-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The cylindrical shape is faster and more efficient than smaller, bubble-shaped personal subs. Image courtesy of U-Boat Worx</figcaption></figure>



Compared to the bubble look of most submersibles, this stealthy, cylinder-shaped vessel looks cool, with its large propellers and rear hydrofoils that combine to improve manoeuvrability. The thrusters, powered by an electric motor and 62 kWh lithium battery have a total power output of 100 kW—with enough juice to also power the air-conditioning.



Beyond personal use, the speed and handling of the Super Sub could also make it a candidate for search and rescue and research missions.

Submarine

U-Boat Worx

This Speedy New Personal Submarine Is Like an Underwater Supercar

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



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



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



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



Silhouette CX Snake



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794969" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breitling</figcaption></figure>



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



Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra



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



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



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



Lange 1 Moon Phase



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



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



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



Portofino Automatic Moon Phase



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



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



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



Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake



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



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



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



Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar in Rose Gold



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794968" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breguet</figcaption></figure>



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



Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025



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



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



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



Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake



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



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794974" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794974" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>



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



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



Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794972" style="width:823px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Harry Winston</figcaption></figure>



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



Chinese New Year Automatic



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



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



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



Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique



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



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



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



The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake



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

2025 new watches

A. Lange & Söhne

Breguet

Breitling

Chaumet

Chinese New Year

exclusive watches

Franck Muller

Harry Winston

Hublot

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

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



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



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



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



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

Gold Rolex

Gold Watches

Rolex

Watches

Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive

There are plenty of watchmaking companies (nearly all of them in the high-end market) that love to wax on about various elements of their timepieces as being “handcrafted.” Still, none of them can claim a watch almost entirely made by hand. [An exception would be independent watchmaker Roger W. Smith, who makes roughly just 12 watches a year.] <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/greubel-forsey-manufacture-switzerland-2870061/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greubel Forsey</a> is the exception. Its first timepiece crafted by hand, the Handmade 1, debuted in 2019 and was notable as a watch made 95 per cent by hand with hand-operated tools—effectively, the way its Swiss ancestors used to make them before electricity and the industrial age. Ironically, that watch has made headlines for appearing on the wrist of tech tycoon <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-watches-of-the-week-from-mark-zuckerbergs-greubel-forsey-to-paetongtarn-shinawatras-patek-philippe-1236155144/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg</a>, who has a slew of <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-watches-of-the-week-from-taylor-swifts-louis-vuitton-to-mark-zuckerbergs-patek-philippe-1235993397/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultra-high-end important watches</a>, proving he clearly has an appreciation for past technological achievements that continue to find relevance throughout time. This week, Handmade 2 made its debut and boasts a 1 per cent higher handmade percentage than its predecessor. It may seem like a silly exercise in today’s time, but let us explain why it’s important to the industry as a whole.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795473" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF1-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF1-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Greubel Forsey</figcaption></figure>



The Handmade watches are about a lot more than bragging rights. When watchmakers Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey began planning the first model, the mission wasn’t just to prove they could do it. It was about preserving the know-how and passing the knowledge along to future generations. Greubel and Forsey use the exercise to teach young watchmakers the nuance of making a watch from scratch to become true experts in the craft to preserve the tradition at the highest level.



The stunningly beautiful work of horology is 40.9 mm, and everything—save for the sapphire crystals, case gaskets, spring bars, mainspring, and most jewels—was painstakingly crafted by hand. The components that were not made by hand are notoriously difficult to produce. Ruby jewels, in particular, are almost always outsourced by every watch brand. For this piece, however, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/greubel-forsey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greubel Forsey</a> team managed to create a conical jewel for the power-reserve indicator. That may sound simple to the horologically uninitiated, but it is, in fact, a huge feat. The handmade components are crafted using traditional watchmaking tools such as lathes, jig-borers, and a pantograph—all hand-operated tools that starkly contrast with today’s pervasive computer-operated CNC machines used in modern watch manufacturing. Each component is manually machined on the Handmade 2 to within tolerances of just a few microns. And, as always with Greubel Forsey, each piece is hand-finished to the utmost standards of high horology—it’s a big calling card of the house.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795472" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF2-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GF2-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Greubel Forsey</figcaption></figure>



If you think all of that is impressive, then you might find the numerical stats of this watch even more shocking. Just one watchmaker assembles each piece, which has 270 components and requires 5,000 hours of work. It’s certainly not the kind of thing to build a profit on, but of the three watches that will be able to be made per year, those who do get to wear one on the wrist will have a hell of a story to tell. For the lucky few end clients, visiting Greubel Forsey’s manufacture should be a requirement. There, you will see the young watchmakers who are skilled enough to work on a piece of this calibre—a rare experience indeed.

Greubel Forsey

Handmade 2

Luxury watches

Here’s Why Greubel Forsey’s Latest Handmade Watch Is So Important

Vacheron Constantin is following up on the highly coveted revamp of its 1970s-era 222 model, which debuted in <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watches-and-wonders-1234670325/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">18-carat yellow gold in 2022</a> at <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches &amp; Wonders</a> in Geneva. The watch, designed by 24-year-old Jorg Hysek and debuted in 1977 for the company’s 222nd anniversary, was one of several sporty bracelet models released at the time. This period also marked the arrival of the now impossible-to-get<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gerald-genta-2864111/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Gerald Genta-designed</a> Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Since the resurgence in popularity of these timepieces in recent years, the 222 had somewhat flown under the radar in comparison (save for some savvy collectors who were already snapping up vintage versions). However, with the updated version that launched two years ago, the timepiece was back on the map in a big way. Now, the Swiss house is coming to the table with a release that promises to be even bigger—a steel Historiques 222.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794903" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



The first iteration received plenty of attention and was embraced by A-listers like <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/brad-pitt-vacheron-constantin-1234801687/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Pitt</a>, Michael B. Jordan, and Chris Paul. However, an all-gold watch is still a flashy proposition for the average client, so the steel version will likely be serious catnip for more conservative collectors. It’s easy to imagine it will also be attractive to current owners of the gold version, as the steel model will be less prone to scratching for a better proposition as a daily wear. The steel 37 mm “Jumbo” 222 comes with a navy blue dial, which, outside of the case and bracelet, is the only difference between the all-gold version. Like its 2022 predecessor, it comes with the Maltese Cross accent on the case at five o’clock, a triple-blade clasp, a sapphire crystal caseback for a view of the 3.6 mm-thick Calibre 2455/2 movement, a gold oscillating weight engraved with the 222 logo, and a better-positioned date window. Compared to the 1970s original, the movement has been updated for modern times with a higher frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) compared to its previous 2.75 Hz, as well as enhanced precision and 40 hours of power reserve.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794904" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



While it is not a limited edition, you can safely assume the US$32,000 (approximately HK$249,190) steel 222 will be hard to get. Will it be more challenging to obtain than a Patek Philippe Nautilus or an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak? Vacheron Constantin has always maintained a more discreet position than those two brands in the marketplace, so it will likely be a touch easier for now, and that’s part of the appeal. The hype for the Nautilus and Royal Oak has been so exhaustive that even though Vacheron Constantin seems late to the game on the 1970s design revival frenzy, it may be coming just at the right time, with reports of <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/shopping-time-prices-for-patek-philippe-nautilus-watches-are-dropping-heres-5-to-buy-right-now-1235696618/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interest waning in the Nautilus</a> (although it is still not easily obtainable in the primary market and vastly above retail in the secondary market). A few years ago, a colleague in Monaco once told us local collectors were already fatigued from seeing the same models on their friends’ wrists and were already seeking alternatives to hype watches. The steel 222 will be a welcome “newcomer” to the established mix.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/in-pictures-vacheron-constantin-historiques-1236156492/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more images of the Vacheron Constantin steel Historiques 222.

Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin watches

Vacheron Constantin Just Dropped a New Steel Version of Its Ultra-Hot 222

Tiffany &amp; Co. has announced the acquisition of a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/titanic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Titanic</a> piece of history. The storied American jewellery house is adding to its great heritage with a pocket watch recently acquired by the<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/lvmh-buys-tiffany-co-in-16-2-billion-deal-2883220/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> LVMH-owned brand</a> at a <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tiffany-titanic-pocket-watch-auction-record-1235996019/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henry Aldridge &amp; Son Ltd. auction</a> in the UK in November. The watch was once gifted to the captain of the RMS Carpathia for saving the lives of nearly 700 passengers of the ill-fated Titanic ship in 1912. Tiffany paid US$1.97 million (approximately HK$15.32 million) for the piece it retailed in 1912, solidifying the timepiece as the most expensive memorabilia related to the historic event ever sold.



Adding to the tale of this palm-sized treasure is the provenance of the three society women of the era who originally purchased it: Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer, and Eleanor Elkins Widener. Mrs Astor was one of the most famous survivors of the Titanic. Her husband, John Jacob Astor IV, perished aboard the ship. Mrs Thayer, also a survivor of the sinking, was the wife of John Borland Thayer II, a director and second vice president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mrs Widener was the wife of George Dunton Widener, who ran the Philadelphia Traction Company (known for developing cable and electric streetcars). She also survived, but her husband and eldest son, Harry Elkins Widener, perished. The three women purchased the pocket watch from Tiffany &amp; Co. in 1912 to gift to Captain Arthur H. Rostron as a thank-you for saving their lives and hundreds of others in the wake of the tragedy in April of that year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794689" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Tiffany &amp; Co.</figcaption></figure>



Cementing the piece to the event, which 112 years later remains unforgettable, is an endearing inscription. It is engraved, “Presented to Captain Rostron with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of three survivors of the Titanic April 15th 1912, Mrs John B. Thayer, Mrs John Jacob Aster, and Mrs George D. Widener” along with Captain Rostron’s initials “AHR.” The date, of course, commemorates the day the ship sunk in the North Atlantic.



The price tag paid for this slice of history may seem astronomical, but when you consider modern watches sometimes<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/most-expensive-f-p-journe-watch-ever-sold-phillips-8-3-million-1235984334/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> go for even more</a>, it is clearly a coup for the watch and jewellery house. <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/value-of-heritage-increasing-in-watch-world-1234625266/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heritage departments</a> are becoming increasingly crucial to storied brands not only for archival purposes but also for bragging rights and publicity, as well as museums. “Tiffany &amp; Co. jewellery and objects have been a cornerstone of global luxury since the mid-19th century, and that Tiffany was entrusted to help give thanks in the wake of the unthinkable Titanic tragedy reminds us of our humble role in the lives of our clients,” said Tiffany &amp; Co. executive Christopher Young. “Captain Rostron’s pocket watch is an incredible expression of thanks and gratitude, and we are humbled to welcome this extraordinary treasure home to Tiffany &amp; Co.”

Pocket Watch

Tiffany & Co.

Titanic

Titanic pocket watch

Turns Out Tiffany & Co. Bought That ‘Titanic’ Pocket Watch for HK$15.32 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

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

Your next summer superyacht charter is here.



Raja², a 180-foot superyacht from the Italian Sea Group, launched just last week at the brand’s headquarters in Marina di Carrara, Italy. And it’s ready to make some waves on the charter market when it’s delivered this spring. Priced at about US$344,000 (approximately €330,000/HK$2.67 million) per week, the vessel will become part of the IYC fleet based out of Greece.



If you’re looking to go all-out on the high seas, this is the superyacht for you. Renderings of Raja² show off its maximalist interiors, full of bright artwork, deep walnut wood paired with a lighter, sandblasted oak, and contrasting black and gold marble. With six cabins, the vessel can hold up to 13 guests. That includes a spacious owner’s suite, adorned with neutral hues and a sizeable en-suite, as well as a VIP suite, complete with dramatic artwork and its own en-suite. Six crew cabins, meanwhile, have space for 11 staff members.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Raja²ownerssuite.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795713" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Raja²ownerssuite.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Raja²ownerssuite-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Raja²ownerssuite-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The owner’s suite. Image courtesy of IYC</figcaption></figure>



As for lounging inside, there’s no shortage of space there, either. The bold design choices continue into the main salon, with its vibrant furniture, and a circular dining area. A standout spot is the bar, where the contrast between the light and dark marble makes the area pop. Here, too, you can enjoy a mirrored surface overhead; the owner requested plenty of them to reflect the sea throughout the vessel.



Heading outside, you’ll find excellent space for lounging amid Raja²’s powerful layout, including the two aft decks (which offer up their own dining areas) and a beach club. The sundeck’s Jacuzzi, meanwhile, is the perfect perch to take in the sea. The proverbial cherry on top is a circular lounge on the upper deck that can transform into a touch-and-go helipad.



With a nearly 30-foot beam and a gross tonnage of 499 GT, the superyacht offers up some powerful muscle below deck. With two CAT C32 Acert engines,&nbsp;Raja²&nbsp;has a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16.5 knots. At 10 knots, its range is about 3,500 nautical miles. The garage carries a 26-foot tender, along with other water toys, for fun on the water.



“M/Y Raja² embodies bold and sophisticated luxury, combining exquisite materials and harmonious contrasts to create a unique and exclusive experience,” Gianmaria Costantino, CCO of the Italian Sea Group, said in a statement. “Every detail is designed to offer not only beauty but also comfort and functionality.”



Seems like that’s your summer plans sorted, then.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/admiral-raja%c2%b2-superyacht-in-photos-1236228041/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of the 180-foot superyacht.

Italian Sea Group

Raja2

This 180-Foot Superyacht Comes With a Circular Lounge That Turns Into a Helipad

<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/10-superyachts-crn-60-years-1234870949/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRN</a> is spreading the love in time for Valentine’s Day.



The Italian shipyard just launched its new 219-foot hybrid <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a> named Amor à Vida (which translates to “Love for Life”) on Thursday. Previously known as Project Maranello, the fully custom vessel hit the water at the Ferretti Group Superyacht facility, with delivery to its owner set for spring of this year.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/crn/">CRN</a> tapped Nuvolari Lenard to take on the exterior styling and interiors of Amor à Vida. The superyacht, with its steel-and-aluminium displacement hull and powerful, sweeping look, shows off the yard’s classic Italian flair, thanks to large windows throughout and a slope down toward the stern. The design shows off a “distinct stylistic identity that fully embraces the owner’s specific requirements and embodies his vision and lifestyle,” according to a statement from CRN.



The vessel’s state-of-the-art hybrid-propulsion system, meanwhile, points to the future, increasing the fuel efficiency of both the main engines and the generators—that means more comfortable cruising for anyone who hops onboard. Amor à Vida is also home to a heat-recovery system, which helps optimise hot-water management aboard for the yacht’s pools and plumbing system; this reduces the energy impact and costs while the owner is cruising the seas.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/crnamoreavida2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795480" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/crnamoreavida2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/crnamoreavida2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/crnamoreavida2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The launch of Amor à Vida. Image courtesy of CRN</figcaption></figure>



As for interiors, the yacht spans six decks, with space for up to 12 guests and 17 crew. Not many other details have been released by the shipyard yet, though if past collaborations with Lenard are anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. The renowned Italian studio has worked with CRN on plenty of vessels over the years, including the 203-foot <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/custom-superyacht-mirror-owners-personality-2940039/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voice</a> and the 197-foot<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/crn-comfortably-numb-superyacht-1235512114/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Comfortably Numb</a>. The former features five decks—including one reserved just for the owner—a swimming pool; while the latter offers up light-filled interiors with spacious living spaces.



Amor à Vida&nbsp;will undergo final outfitting and sea trials, which will be completed over the next few months, before it lands in the hands of its owner.



If a hybrid catamaran is more your speed, there are plenty of those heading out to sea as well. Cosmopolitan Yachts just unveiled its new 110-foot <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/comospolitan-yachts-110-catamaran-1236167355/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-conscious cat</a> earlier this week, with a wide beam and a multi-level beach club that’s ready for entertaining. This vessel, too, could help you find some amor à vida on the water.

Ferretti Group

CRN Just Launched a Sleek New 219-Foot Superyacht With 6 Decks

This new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/catamaran/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catamaran</a> is ready for its close-up.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cosmopolitan-yachts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmopolitan Yachts</a> just unveiled its new 110-foot eco-conscious vessel, the aptly named Beach Club Explorer Catamaran, Superyacht Times <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/cosmopolitan-110-yacht-concept" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. Thanks to its moniker, you’re getting exactly what you’d expect with this latest release: a multi-level beach club and hybrid-solar propulsion system that gives it juice to cross the Atlantic.



That propulsion system, which offers up reduced emissions and more silent cruising, is paired with a solar-panel system for energy efficiency whether you’re at sea or in the harbour. All that power allows the Beach Club Explorer Catamaran, also known as the Cosmopolitan 110, to have a 5,000-nautical-mile range, meaning remote locales are possible. To help with your adventures, the new vessel also has a draft of just under six feet (1.8 metres) for exploring shallow waters.



There’s plenty of fun to be had on board, too, though the yard hasn’t released too many details. The catamaran’s spacious multi-level beach club makes water access a breeze, and you can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean from any tier. Cosmopolitan is also offering plenty of customisation in terms of layout, so you can make the vessel your own, according to Superyacht Times.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OpenDoors_CY110-06.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795260" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OpenDoors_CY110-06.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OpenDoors_CY110-06-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OpenDoors_CY110-06-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The expansive beach club. Image courtesy of Cosmopolitan Yachts</figcaption></figure>



As for its authentic green credentials, the Beach Club Explorer Catamaran includes eco-friendly aluminium and sustainable decking materials throughout. The interiors, meanwhile, are, decked out in responsibly sourced materials.



“The Cosmopolitan 110 embodies everything we stand for at Cosmopolitan Yachts: innovation, sustainability, and the art of exploration,” Iván Salas Jefferson, the brand’s managing partner and chief naval architect, told Superyacht Times.



The Cosmopolitan 110 isn’t the only hybrid catamaran on the water, of course. The yard also debuted a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/cosmopolitan-125-hybrid-catamaran-1235854421/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">125-foot catamaran </a>this past September. As for other brands in the sea, Rossinavi launched its <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/rossinavi-seawolfx-hybrid-catamaran-1235622793/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Cat 40</a>, a catamaran that combines hybrid propulsion with next-gen AI for sustainable cruising, late last spring, while Sunreef expanded its Ultima range to include a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/sunreef-ultima-111-catamaran-1235881861/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">111-foot flagship</a> to its offerings just a few months ago.



Only time will tell what other hybrid vessels make waves in 2025.

Beach Club Explorer Catamaran

catamaran

Cosmopolitan Yachts

This 110-Foot Solar-Hybrid Catamaran Lets You Party Upstairs and Downstairs

What do you get when you put one of the world’s most famous designers and a forward-thinking boat builder together? Answer: A cool-looking hybrid-electric catamaran that blends art and technology.



Italian custom yacht builder <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/rossi-family-rossinavi-launches-nolimits-yacht-brand-1235517314/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rossinavi</a> introduced Solsea at Design Miami, which is being held alongside Art Basel Miami. The concept is the result of a three-year collaboration with designer Yves Béhar. The 141-foot catamaran, plus its electric-hybrid propulsion and AI-powered systems, is designed for sustainability. Béhar’s designs add understated elegance across the yacht.



“It’s been an incredible journey to see how Yves Béhar reimagined the naval platform of our hybrid-electric catamaran,” says Federico Rossi, chief operations officer at the shipyard, during the launch event. “He brought a style that is both fresh and refined.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793978" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bow pool, with a mechanical but artistic hardtop, is just one of many design features on Solsea. Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



Features like the bow pool, with delicate, crisscrossed mechanical supports that raise and lower the hardtop, or the artistic curving arches beside the bar on the flybridge, or the stylised wooden walls in the salon all demonstrate the designer’s subtle flourishes.



Béhar’s work is part of the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum, and he has had solo exhibitions at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the other at the Musee de Design et D’arts Appliques Contemporains in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has designed hundreds of beautiful, functional objects, including chairs and lighting for Herman Miller, <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/home-design/slideshow/the-moma-design-stores-top-5-of-2017/samsung-frame-tv-by-yves-behar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frames for Samsung televisions</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/yves-behar-making-sunglasses-recycled-ocean-plastic-1234577740/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunglasses made from recycled ocean plastic </a>and even <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/underwater-space-station-2937518/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater research centres</a>.



“When working with clients, my philosophy is to connect emotionally through ideas and content rather than style,” says Béhar. “It’s less about this or that aesthetic and more about meaningful conversations where people come to agreement in terms of approach and direction.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="722" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-1024x722.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793981" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-1024x722.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-300x212.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-768x541.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM.png 1268w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The salon has a calming, subtle feel, with lots of muted-tone woodwork.  Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



That’s certainly apparent in his first yacht. Rather than bold statements, there is a timeless look throughout Solsea, bolstered by natural matte wood and bouclé textiles across the interior. The designer also employed recycled ocean plastics and solar panels to enhance sustainability. “For me, Solsea is a return to simpler, more respectful ways to enjoy the oceans while integrating the future of efficient propulsion, and cutting-edge technologies,” says Béhar.



Of course, without the recent launch of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rossinavi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rossinavi</a>’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/rossinavi-ai-catamaran-1235985649/2-animal-instinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Wolf X</a>, another 140-foot catamaran, Solsea would be just another fancy concept. But that vessel, which the shipyard showed at the last <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/monaco-yacht-show-2024-1235866205/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, would form a baseline for the technology and design for a future Solsea, if any owner comes forward.



It is also a hybrid electric yacht with batteries, electric engines, and diesel generators, but also contained artificial intelligence software to enhance performance as well as the owners’ and guests’ experiences.&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;was the first to exclusively tour the yacht following its delivery in August.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793979" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rossinavi’s recently launched Sea Wolf X provides a good template for its future power cats. Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



The artificial intelligence system, named Rossinavi AI, hones in on performance and efficiency. It continuously monitors the vessel’s operations, learning from observation and even anticipating guests’ needs. “[The AI] will be able to self-learn, surely surprising even us in the future,” Federico Rossi, chief operating officer of Rossinavi, tells&nbsp;Robb Report.



The AI works in tandem with a series of sensors that are fitted throughout the yacht. These include checking when guests are present in their cabins to prevent unnecessary use of air-conditioning and to switch off TVs that have been left on. When they return, the AI recalls the guests’ exact preferences for temperature and powers up, as if it had continued running the entire time.



The interior lighting throughout the yacht also automatically brightens or dims depending on the time of day and exterior sunlight. It even interacts with the crew to encourage lower-impact behaviors. It also highlights interesting landmarks along the cruise. Presumably,&nbsp;Solsea’s AI system will be even more advanced.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="724" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-1024x724.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793980" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-1024x724.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-300x212.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-768x543.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-1536x1086.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Behar’s rendition of the upper deck emphasises curves and stylised arches. Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



Of course, another advantage of large catamarans is the wide beam, which dramatically increases the internal volume.&nbsp;Solsea’s full-beam master suite has about the same space as a 229-foot superyacht. It also offers a 180-degree view and direct access to a private external balcony that sits across the twin hulls and connects to the bow.



Perhaps its best feature is the hybrid-electric system. It will power the boat on just the batteries for full-day trips, and even cross the Atlantic at 80 per cent electric mode. That whisper-quiet experience is a game-changer not for power cats but for the whole superyacht world.