The electric car is beginning to gain real traction in the U.S.



Our EV adoption rate&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ev-sales-up-60-percent-2022-first-quarter-1234680027/" target="_blank">may lag behind countries like Norway</a>, but it is improving—and quickly,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.carscoops.com/2023/09/evs-accounted-for-7-2-of-all-new-car-sales-in-the-u-s-between-january-and-july/" target="_blank">according to Car Scoops</a>. Over 7 percent of the vehicles sold stateside during the first seven months of 2023 were battery-powered cars, SUVs, or trucks, a big jump from the same period last year.



Data from analytics firm Experian shows 9.1 million light vehicles were sold (or registered) domestically between January and July. Of those, 655,986 were EVs, which works out to 7.2 percent. That’s a sizable increase over the same period in 2022, during which 4.9 percent of the vehicles sold were electric.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/modely.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780257" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/modely.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/modely.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/modely.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tesla/">Tesla</a> Model Y crossover SUV is the best-selling EV in the U.S. Tesla</figcaption></figure>



It should come as no surprise that the overwhelming majority of EVs sold in the U.S. in 2023 have been Teslas. Experian’s data shows that 390,377, or 59.5 percent, of the battery-powered vehicles registered in the U.S. during the first seven months of the year were built by the Elon Musk-fronted automaker. Tesla has dominated the EV market from the very beginning stateside and has also aggressively slashed prices throughout its lineup this year. The company’s most popular model remains the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/south-pasadena-california-city-police-vehicle-fleet-tesla-1234841630/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Model Y</a>, which accounted for 236,041, or 60.5 percent, of its new registrations. The Model Y <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tesla-model-y-worlds-best-selling-vehicle-1234848318/">was the best-se</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tesla-model-y-worlds-best-selling-vehicle-1234848318/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tesla-model-y-worlds-best-selling-vehicle-1234848318/">ling car in the world</a> during the first quarter of 2023.



Sitting in second place is <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/general-motors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">General Motors</a>, which tallied 39,647 registrations between the start of the year and July, or six percent of the EV market. It was followed by <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ford/">Ford</a> with 33,935 registrations (5.2 percent of the market), Hyundai with 28,198 registrations (4.3 percent), <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a> with 23,116 registrations (3.5 percent), and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Benz</a> with 21,160 registrations (3.2 percent).



Tesla <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tesla-highest-selling-luxury-car-brand-usa-1234794560/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remains supreme among EV makers</a> in the U.S., but its hold on the market is slipping. In 2022, it built 62 percent of the battery-powered vehicles sold nationwide last year, which itself was down from the company’s peak market share of 78 percent in 2018, according to CNBC. Despite this, this year’s sales numbers make clear that the company should easily best the 491,000 EVs it delivered in 2022.

EV Sales Increased 32% From January to July This Year

It’s no secret that&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/las-vegas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;is distancing itself from being identified solely as “Sin City,” and doing so by rebranding on multiple fronts, not the least of which is the goal of becoming the new stateside hub for car culture. Last year’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/concours-delegance-wynn-las-vegas-recap-1234766809/" target="_blank">Concours d’Elegance Wynn Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;hinted at the potential of giving Monterey Car Week competition, but the real case is made with the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/4-vip-experiences-for-las-vegas-grand-prix-1234879253/" target="_blank">2023 Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix</a>&nbsp;in November, a return of the world’s premier motorsport series to the desert metropolis after 41 years.



With Wynn’s next concours and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank">Formula 1</a>’s penultimate race of the season scheduled just a week apart, the only component missing was the automotive auction presence—until now.&nbsp;Robb Report has been given the exclusive that RM Sotheby’s and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/wynn-las-vegas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wynn Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;will team up for the official auction of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will take place at the Wynn’s Awakening Theater on November 17.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10-w-628391.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780105" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10-w-628391.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10-w-628391.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10-w-628391.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rm-sothebys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RM Sotheby’s</a>&nbsp;has partnered with Wynn Las Vegas to present the official auction of the 2023 Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. Wynn Las Vegas</figcaption></figure>



“The official auction of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix will bring together the worlds of automobiles, hospitality, and sports, showcasing the world’s most coveted cars along with iconic memorabilia,” states Bryon Madsen, president of RM Sotheby’s, in the company’s announcement set to release later today.



RM Sotheby’s is obviously hoping to parlay its highly successful showing during Monterey Car Week in August. According to results provided by the classic-car-insurance specialists at Hagerty, RM Sotheby’s was responsible for US$154.1 million of the US$400.1 million total sales from the five major auction houses—also including Bonhams, Gooding &amp; Company, Mecum, and Broad Arrow—during Northern California’s annual automotive celebration. That figure represents a sell-through rate of 85 percent, an average lot price of US$901,351, and the sale of five of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/10-most-expensive-cars-sold-2023-monterey-auctions-1234892155/" target="_blank">the 10 most expensive cars at auction in Monterey</a>&nbsp;this year. And while the volume will be far less in Vegas, the level of presentation aims to be unprecedented.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-w-1957-Jaguar-XKSS1375536_.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780106" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-w-1957-Jaguar-XKSS1375536_.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-w-1957-Jaguar-XKSS1375536_.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-w-1957-Jaguar-XKSS1375536_.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 1957 Jaguar XKSS sold at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August for US$13.2 million. Zach Brehl, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



“We are looking to break out of the conventional auction model and create the atmosphere of a Las Vegas show,” says Thatcher Keast, auction coordinator for RM Sotheby’s. “It’s going to be quite the performance.” The venue fits that bill perfectly, as the 1,600-seat theater—home to the acclaimed production&nbsp;Awakening—features cutting-edge sound and illumination as well as a 360-degree, 60-foot stage of dual-colored glass and LED displays.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva_2.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780107" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva_2.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva_2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva_2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mclaren/">McLaren</a>&nbsp;Elva that RM Sotheby’s is bringing to Las Vegas has less than 100 miles on it. RM Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



Of the approximately 20 exclusive lots crossing the block, one that’s sure to capture the limelight is a 2021&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-review-mclaren-elva-1234621836/" target="_blank">McLaren Elva</a>. Debuted in 2019, the model comes in at 2,809 pounds (curb weight with full tank) and is touted by the British marque as “the lightest road car ever from McLaren Automotive.” Part of the automaker’s Ultimate Series, the definitive roadster eschews not only any form of roof but even a windscreen (optional), while able to cover zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds and reach 203 mph due to its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 responsible for 590 ft lbs of torque.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva-_1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780108" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva-_1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva-_1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-w-LV23_Elva-_1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although the McLaren Elva to be auctioned has a low-end estimate of US$1.8 million, it’s being offered without reserve.RM Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



The example to be bid on, one of only 149 built, is dressed in a shimmering Pacific Color Stream paint application. “It emulates the neon and flashiness of Vegas, drawing your attention” says Keast of the exterior. But the idée fixe for collectors will be the fact that despite having an estimated value ranging from US$1.8 million to US$2.4 million, and with less than 100 miles on it, this Elva is being offered without reserve.



The auction will take place at 4 p.m. PT and should be over well before the evening start of Friday’s final practice for the drivers. The qualifying session and race will be held on Saturday, November 18.

Auction

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Grand Prix

las vegas

McLaren

McLaren Elva

RM Sotheby's

RM Sotheby's Auction

Exclusive: This 2021 McLaren Elva Will Cross the Block at the RM Sotheby’s Auction With F1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix

This&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2023-porsche-911-dakar-production-version-1234774420/" target="_blank">Porsche 911 Dakar</a>&nbsp;didn’t sit in its owner’s garage for long.



Bought just last month, a basically untouched example of the off-road-ready sports car is now&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2023-porsche-911-dakar-2/" target="_blank">up for auction on Bring a Trailer</a>&nbsp;through this Thursday. The vehicle doesn’t just look to be in mint condition, either: It only has 68 miles on the odometer.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/porsche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche</a> unveiled the exclusive Dakar last fall, following years of enthusiasts pleading with the marque to release an official <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/off-road-porsche-911-willy-safari-2865686/" target="_blank">Safari 911</a>. The variant, which is inspired by the modified 953 that won the 1984 Paris-Dakar rally, is one of the most exciting releases of 2023, as well as one of the most coveted. Porsche announced it would build just 2,500 examples at the time of its unveiling, which would be allocated via an application system. Thankfully for those who weren’t lucky enough to have their name chosen by Porsche, there’s always the auction market.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar03.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780147" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar03.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2023 Porsche 911 Dakaryourfriendsyd/<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bring-a-trailer/">Bring a Trailer</a></figcaption></figure>



The Dakar up for bid is example number 1,191. The variant is very clearly a 911, but it comes with several off-road upgrades that give it a much more rugged air. The sports car has been outfitted with flared fenders, rocker panels, a fixed rear spoiler, and a staggered set of Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires. This example is finished in white with black protective cladding and has a black leather interior with Race-Tex insets and green stitching. It’s a sedate spec, especially since the original owner could have opted for the graphic-heavy Rallye design package, but there’s no denying it looks both stylish and tough.



The variant is basically a rally version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-2022-porsche-911-gts-1234637124/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">911 Carrera 4 GTS</a>, which means it’s powered by a twin-turbo flat-six. The mill is mated to an eight-speed PDK gearbox that routes 473 hp and 420 ft lbs of torque to all four wheels. Thanks to all that grunt, the car can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph. It also features a revised suspension and lift system that boost ride height by up to 3.2 inches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar06.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780148" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar06.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar06.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakar06.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the 911 Dakaryourfriendsyd/Bring a Trailer</figcaption></figure>



Bidding has reached $256,000 with two days left to go. That figure, which is sure to rise over the next 48 hours, is $34,000 over the vehicle’s original sticker price. That <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2023-porsche-911-dakar-2/#comments-anchor" target="_blank">has some in the listing’s comment section grumbling</a>, but we imagine it won’t dissuade anyone interested in a 911 they can enjoy on- or off-road.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/phtos-2023-porsche-911-dakar-auction-1234895854" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Porsche 911 Dakar.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakargallery.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780149" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakargallery.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakargallery.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dakargallery.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">yourfriendsyd/Bring a Trailer</figcaption></figure>

Porsche 911

Porsche 911 Dakar

This Coveted, Mint-Condition Porsche 911 Dakar Has Just 68 Miles on It. Now It Can Be Yours.

If we return to the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/">Mercede</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/">-Benz</a> 300 SL Coupe and Roadster frequently, it’s simply because they’re some of the best built, most user-friendly old-timers ever made. Firmly in the million-dollar-plus category, these popular Silver Stars represent a solid blue-chip investment. And while we advise against viewing a passion purchase like a classic car as an “investment,” it’s nice to know that the money spent is not likely to swirl down the drain when the time comes to sell. That’s because both versions of the 300 SL have, for decades, remained top collectibles for their beauty, reliability, and rewarding drivability.



Following World War II, Mercedes-Benz built much of its postwar reputation on the W194 race car, which saw great success on the track, and which spawned a road-going model at the urging of U.S. Mercedes-Benz importer Max Hoffmann, father of the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-review-1955-porsche-356-a-1600-speedster-1234660849/" target="_blank">Porsche 356 Speedster</a>&nbsp;and BMW 507. Exactly 1,400 examples of the 300 SL coupe, unofficially called the “<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/this-1956-mercedes-benz-300-sl-gullwing-gave-us-the-test-drive-of-our-dreams-1234682427/" target="_blank">Gullwing</a>,” were made from 1954 to 1957. Inspired by California’s convertible market,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-benz-tech-update-silicon-valley-1234830050/" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz</a>&nbsp;changed over coupe production to the 300 SL Roadster in May of 1957, manufacturing 1,858 through early 1964, and of those, it’s estimated that about 1,500 remain today.



As A+ collectibles, these are relatively plentiful numbers, ensuring that collector demand remains unabated. Part of the popularity is down to the performance, which, in the context of today’s cars, still seems remarkably modern. Both model variants are powered by a 3.0-liter, straight-six engine that makes about 225 hp at 5,800 rpm. Also featured is Bosch mechanical fuel injection, which was radically advanced for the time. And an un-fussy four-speed gearbox, independent suspension, and hydraulic drum brakes on all four corners, were best-in-class for their day.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_3.jpg-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780028" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_3.jpg-1.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_3.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_3.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Interior has been retrimmed in black leather and features factory switchgear and instrumentation. Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Underpinning the flowing bodywork was an elaborate tube chassis. The Roadster is quite a bit more comfortable to drive than the Gullwing, with regular doors, roll-up windows, and importantly, improved handling characteristics at high speeds thanks to a revised rear swing-axle.



On September 29, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster—a lovely example of a classic’s classic—will be offered at Bonhams’ Audrain Concours Auction in Rhode Island. It’s part of a 22-car collection from the estate of James Messenger that includes European, British, and stateside classics, all selling at no reserve.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/5-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_7.jpg-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780029" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/5-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_7.jpg-1.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/5-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_7.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/5-w-1960-Mercedes-Benz-300SL-Roadster_7.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The restoration spanned the years 1997 to 1999. Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Finished in Mercedes-Benz’s DB172G Anthracite Metallic, and maintaining its original chassis (No. 002689), engine, and body numbers, the car was restored by marque specialist Scott Melnik Auto Engineering of Calabasas, Calif. The project spanned the years 1997 to 1999. Interior appointments include recent retrimming in black leather, charcoal square-weave carpet, the correct ivory steering wheel and gear knob, a Becker Mexico radio, lift-latch competition-style lap belts, and restored factory switchgear and instrumentation. Although crossing the auction block at no reserve, this star lot is estimated to sell for between US$1.2 million (HK$9.39 million) and US$1.4 million (HK$10.96 million).



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&amp;p=1234894820/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;for more photos of this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/50-2.jpg-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780030" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/50-2.jpg-1.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/50-2.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/50-2.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster being auctioned by Bonhams on September 29. Bonhams</figcaption></figure>

classic car

Mercedes-Benz

Roadster

Car of the Week: This Restored 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Could Rake in HK$10.96 Million at Auction

There may have been no <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1</a> race this past weekend for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lewis-hamilton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lewis Hamilton</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/formula-1-racer-george-russell-talks-monaco-grand-prix-1234680502/" target="_blank">George Russell</a>, but that didn’t keep the pair from spending a little time on the track.



The two <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-amg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-AMG</a> drivers recently pushed the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-amg-one-hypercar-production-start-1234641685/" target="_blank">One</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hypercar/">hypercar</a> to its limits for a video <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id7eUF62kOc" target="_blank">posted to the performance sub-brand’s YouTube page</a>. After all, who better to test out the F1-inspired technical marvel than the two people best acquainted with the team’s race car?



The short clip depicts the teammates enjoying an afternoon of driving at the Playground, which is Mercedes-Benz’s test track in the German town of Immendingen, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.motor1.com/news/685693/lewis-hamilton-george-russel-playground/" target="_blank">according to Motor1.com</a>. Up first, both drivers got the chance to try out the most exciting (and powerful) model in the AMG stable, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-amg-one-nurburgring-production-car-record-1234771880/" target="_blank">record-setting One</a>, in a slalom test. The US$2.7 million (HK$21.13) hypercar pairs an ultra-aerodynamic design with an F1-derived hybrid power train with a turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 and four electric motors that combine to pump out over 1,000 hp. Both drivers hit their fair share of cones winding their way through the course but seem to have had a blast doing so. They also decided to drag race the hypercar, with Hamilton coming out on top.



<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="Welcome to the Playground, Lewis &amp; George" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/id7eUF62kOc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



 “It’s just insane that’s it’s actually got a Formula 1 engine in the back,” Hamilton said of the street-legal vehicle. “But the handling for me is the best part. I was getting some drifting through the slaloms.”



Hamilton and Russell’s time behind the wheel wasn’t limited to the One. The pair also took two of AMG’s sportier models—Hamilton the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2024-mercedes-amg-gt-revealed-1234883759/" target="_blank">new GT</a>&nbsp;and Russell the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-amg-2024-c63-s-e-performance-1234750311/" target="_blank">C63 S E Performance</a>—drifting, an activity both readily admit was made easier thanks to Drift Mode. Finally, Hamilton took the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-amg-s-63-e-performance-edition-1-variant-1234826885/" target="_blank">S63 E Performance</a>&nbsp;for a luxurious spin around the track, while Russell enjoyed the ride from the passenger seat.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Mercedes_AMG_One.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780016" style="width:654px" width="654" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Mercedes_AMG_One.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Mercedes_AMG_One.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Mercedes_AMG_One.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mercedes-AMG One Mercedes AMG</figcaption></figure>



Unfortunately, if you want to drive the One, you might have to become an AMG team driver. The entire 275-car production run of the oft-delayed vehicle is already sold out. Even if you were able to find someone willing to let you drive theirs, you’d have to travel to another country to drive it. Last summer, the sub-brand announced <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.autoblog.com/2022/06/02/mercedes-amg-one-not-street-legal/" target="_blank">it would not sell the vehicle in the U.S.</a> because of its strict road standards.

George Russell

Hypercar

lewis hamilton

Mercedes-AMG

Watch Lewis Hamilton and George Russell Take the Mercedes-AMG One Hypercar for a Spin

At a dead stop under a cloudy sky, I reposition my hands on the steering wheel and ensure the proper bend of the elbows, oblivious to whether or not I’m breathing. Focus, instead, is on projecting a confident nonchalance to the engineer in the passenger seat, but it’s a struggle. Tom Petty was right—the waiting is the hardest part. “All clear,” crackles the walkie-talkie communiqué from the spotter ahead, and with Pavlovian response, my right foot meets the floor and the all-electric, 1,900 hp <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.automobili-pininfarina.com/battista" target="_blank">Pininfarina Battista</a> feels like it might warp physics in its attempt to cover zero to 60 mph in 1.79 seconds. 



The rollout of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/pininfarina/">Pininfarina</a>’s first solo production vehicle in its 93-year history, however, has been quite a bit slower. After Battista “Pinin” Farina launched his eponymous carrozzeria in 1930, it quickly gained renown for collaborations with the likes of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.maserati.com/us/en" target="_blank">Maserati</a>,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.alfaromeousa.com/" target="_blank">Alfa Romeo</a>, and, most notably,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ferrari.com/" target="_blank">Ferrari</a>—all wanting to have their models dressed in the atelier’s patrician bodywork, which looked like it had been sculpted by the wind and came to define the golden age of motorsport. And while most coachbuilders shuttered when growing postwar demand increased automation, Pininfarina persevered all the way into the EV era, though now owned by India’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.mahindra.com/" target="_blank">Mahindra Group</a>&nbsp;and divided into a commercial design house and the nascent automaker responsible for the controlled fury I’m currently piloting.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista4.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779973" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista4.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As part of the hypercar’s active aero, the rear wing contributes 551 pounds of downforce. James Lipman</figcaption></figure>



Considering the approximately US$2.4 million (H$18.80 million) entry point for the Battista, of which only 150 will be made, I’m initially underwhelmed when climbing into the cockpit despite vibrant yellow contrast stitching set against the geometrically patterned upholstery. The steering wheel’s controls, the two 10.3-inch touchscreen displays on either side, the small telemetry screen in front, and the two selector knobs below constitute the entirety of the dash instrumentation. 



Yet that same minimalism is welcomed once underway on this straight canyon artery in Southern California’s Santa Monica Mountains, as there’s little to distract from the seamless detonation of power delivered by the Battista’s quartet of independent electric motors—each placed at a wheel and together enabling a top speed of over 217 mph—and the 120 kWh lithium-ion battery. The latter can be replenished from 20 to 80 percent in 25 minutes and allows for a 300-mile range—although the chance of reaching anything close to that is ludicrous when in Energica or Furiosa, the two most aggressive drive modes of the five that include Calma, Pura, and the customizable Carattere. 



Although each of the dynamic settings varies the output’s composed soundtrack, I barely perceive the subtle song over the bombardment of gravel against the low-slung coupe’s undercarriage as the 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels, shod in custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R rubber, explore the edges of the road. The all-wheel-drive machine, with double-wishbone suspension and semi-active dampers, makes it easy to get in sync with the turns, thanks to its combination of surgically precise steering, grip-bolstering torque vectoring, and requisite suite of stability controls.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista2.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779974" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista2.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Only 150 examples of the Battista will be produced. James Lipman</figcaption></figure>



As for the regenerative braking, it can be adjusted to taste and terrain, although it never seems overly intrusive. More noticeable is the impact of the active aero, specifically the rear wing, which contributes up to 551 pounds of downforce during another sprint, then becomes an air brake when it’s time to quickly shed speed. Working in concert are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brembo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brembo</a>’s six-piston carbon-ceramic stoppers that can bring the 5,247-pound Battista to a standstill from 62 mph in 101.7 feet—impressive, but still about six more feet than required by the 1,914 hp&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rimac-nevera-worlds-fastest-production-ev-1234773271/">Rimac Nevera</a>.&nbsp;



Collaboration is still a hallmark of Pininfarina, and much of the Battista’s rarefied foundation is shared by the Nevera. “The rolling chassis is a codevelopment that we started five years ago with our partner Rimac,” says Paolo Dellachà, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.automobili-pininfarina.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automobili Pininfarina</a>. “Many of the systems are common, although tuned specifically for us.”&nbsp;



The real differentiator from other zero-emissions monsters is design. The Battista, built on a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis draped in yet more carbon fiber, eschews excessive creases and exaggerated ducts, instead presenting a fluid, brushstroke aesthetic that traces back to Pininfarina’s original coachwork and hints at classics such as the 1947 Cisitalia 202.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista3.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779975" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista3.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista3.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pinin_Battista3.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The majority of cockpit controls are accessed through the tightly clustered display screens. James Lipman</figcaption></figure>



Interestingly, while mass-produced economy models are becoming visually homogenous, the burgeoning EV-hypercar field runs the same risk when it comes to mind-bending drive dynamics. (Though would anyone complain?) For that reason alone, Pininfarina may be better positioned than most in the exclusive market due to its name recognition, stylistic legacy, and uninterrupted ties back to some of the most romantic and beautiful eras in automotive history. 



To that point, a preproduction version of the Battista already garnered the Design Award from judges at the 2021 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/" target="_blank">Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este</a>, and in August, Dellachà and team debuted the B95 roadster (in terms of competitive set, think <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-review-mclaren-elva-1234621836/">McLaren Elva</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lamborghini-sc20-roadster-1234587091/">Lamborghini SC20</a>) based on the Battista platform and limited to only 10 examples, each starting at around US$4.8 million (HK$37.59 million). The accolade and recent unveiling validate the fact that just because there’s a paradigm shift in power trains doesn’t mean our collective breath can’t be taken away. That, of course, was the primary concern of Battista Farina himself, who famously said, “Above all, it must be beautiful.”

Electric Vehicle

First Drive

Pininfarina

Pininfarina Battista

First Drive: Pininfarina’s Carbon-Fiber Battista Is 1,900 Horses of All-Electric Fury

As global travel experiences a return to normal, the truth of the matter is that most airports are not back to the heydays of pre-pandemic efficiency, let alone quality of service. Headlines in newspapers have indicated that terminals are understaffed and overworked, timely departure is a luck of the draw, and a pending threat of lost baggage is always hanging overhead; did your baggage land with you—or is halfway to Timbuktu?



Fortunately, the sweet mercy of flying private obliterates every single hassle&nbsp;that one has come to expect when travelling—especially out of busy international hubs that have not been upgraded since the 1960s, which is true of several capitals studded in Europe and the Americas. To swan above the daily grind, you need to tag yourself onto a reliable private jet service.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20210607_TAGAviation-RS-0507_ssss-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779602" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20210607_TAGAviation-RS-0507_ssss-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20210607_TAGAviation-RS-0507_ssss-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20210607_TAGAviation-RS-0507_ssss-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20210607_TAGAviation-RS-0507_ssss-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20210607_TAGAviation-RS-0507_ssss-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



TAG Aviation has been in service in Hong Kong for nearly 17 years with an unblemished record that needs to be noted. As we unshackle ourselves from the haze of the last few years, safety, cleanliness (and we do mean clinical spotlessness), efficiency, and alacrity are all in the offing on a silver platter.&nbsp;



A key objective to the company’s “philosophy of excellence,” you’d be hard-pressed to find anything lacking in quality of service, technical proficiency, and TAG Aviation’s famed personalisation that ensures every valued guest feels on top of the world—rather literally, as over the past 50 remarkable years, TAG Aviation has operated in 11 global locations as well as covered the skies above continents, providing efficiency and excellence in international aviation.



It’s a standard of excellence that has been continuously recognised by governing bodies. TAG Aviation achieved IS-BAO Stage 3 certification continuously, the highest level of achievement of a recommended code of best practice established by the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations, demonstrating the company’s commitment to developing and maintaining an effective safety management system in business aviation. TAG Aviation also renewed its accreditation to the Wyvern Wingman safety programme last summer, adding another feather to its well-festooned cap. Just think of it as the aircraft’s health management, where every technical aspect is tried and tested to ensure the security and well-being of guests, pilots, and crew.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="673" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/024A0921._RS-1024x673.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779601" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/024A0921._RS-1024x673.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/024A0921._RS-300x197.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/024A0921._RS-768x505.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/024A0921._RS-1536x1009.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/024A0921._RS-2048x1346.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



A global expansion seems to be in motion as the company sets up base camps in enchanting locations around the world. TAG Aviation officially opened its first FBO (fixed-base operator) within APAC in 2019, spotlighting Macau as a fabulous alternative for Hong Kong travellers who want to jet out easily when the airport is too busy and jam-packed. It marks a milestone for TAG Aviation as it’s one of the very few companies given permission by the airport to operate on its premises, providing aeronautical services for private and recreational flying.&nbsp;



TAG Macau FBO offers a comprehensive suite of incredible passenger services, including VIP and business-executive amenities, and on-site customs and immigration clearance—it’s a seamless exercise for VIPs that can venture from car to plane with minimum fuss. To maintain the impeccable safety record, aircraft maintenance and servicing and logistics like flight planning and chartering capabilities are also handled at the facility.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="713" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Doggy-on-seat_RS-1024x713.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779600" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Doggy-on-seat_RS-1024x713.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Doggy-on-seat_RS-300x209.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Doggy-on-seat_RS-768x535.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Doggy-on-seat_RS-1536x1069.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Doggy-on-seat_RS-2048x1426.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Even better,&nbsp;TAG Aviation understands the importance of travelling with pets and therefore looks after all the family’s needs.&nbsp; Board your private flight with pet in tow without any hassles or hiccups, with no crates nor endless pre-boarding paperwork involved—stress-free furry friends and their caregivers fly happily.



As every health-related feature talks about a stress-free lifestyle to improve your overall well-being and mindset, why not destress yourself by booking your travels—be it for business, pleasure, or a happy mix of both—with the team that prides themselves on being the best in the business?



All images courtesy of TAG Aviation.

Private Jet

Tag Aviation

Flight of Fancy: TAG Aviation Soars to the Skies with an Unblemished Record

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/embraer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Embraer</a>&nbsp;has reached new heights in the US.



The Brazilian company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/slideshow/best-of-the-best-5-business-jets-that-soar-above-the-competition/embraer-phenom-300-300e/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phenom 300</a>&nbsp;model is the most-flown private jet in the U.S. over the last year,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-25/new-us-private-jet-king-crowned-after-cessna-model-s-long-reign?srnd=pursuits-vp" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. Its ascendance to the top spot ends the nearly 15-year reign of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/slideshow/lassic-airplanes-gulfstream-embraer-phenom-cessna-citation/cessna-citation-xls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cessna’s Citation Excel family of planes</a>.



Embraer’s increasingly popular mid-size plane had more than 360,000 takeoffs and landings at US airports since last August, according to the financial news service. That sky-high number is 1,400 more than the Citation Excel managed over that same period.



It’s easy to see why the Phenom 300 is experiencing a surge in popularity. The mid-size jet may be smaller than the Citation Excel—it only has room for nine passengers instead of 10—but it burns less fuel, has better speed and range and, perhaps most importantly of all, costs one-third less. Because of that, private aviation consultant Brian Foley told Bloomberg: “It has become a favorite of charter and fractional providers, who fly them much more than the average aircraft operator.”



The Phenom 300 isn’t Embraer’s only model that’s taking off. Earlier this year, the company entered into a US$5 billion (HK$39.23 billion) deal with Berkshire Hathaway’s NetJets to build 250 examples of the bigger&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/embraer-praetor-500-jet-2935787/">Praetor 500</a>. Overall,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/private-jets/">private jets</a>&nbsp;made up 27 percent of the 54-year-old company’s US$4.2 billion (HK$32.95 billion) sales in 2022.



Embraer may make the U.S.’s most popular private jet right now (<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/most-popular-business-jet-cirrus-jet-1234823799/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">although the Cirrus SF50 was the best-selling last year</a>), but&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cessna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cessna</a>—which held that distinction for 19 of the past 22 years—is still doing pretty well for itself. The Citation Excel makes up one of every three business jets in the world, according to its parent company, Textron. Additionally, its extensive lineup, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/cessna-citation-longitude-quiet-2881532/">super mid-size</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/cessna-citation-longitude-quiet-2881532/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Longitude</a>, means that it still dominates in terms of flight hours. Things could be about to get even better, too. A revamped version of the Citation Excel called the Ascend should begin flying in 2025.

Embraer

Embraer Supplants Cessna for the Title of Most-Flown Private Jet in America

With helicopters as backup, the black SUVs race in formation behind speeding squad cars as a drone sweeps the side streets. But this isn’t Baghdad or Carcas—it’s Detroit, with visiting Saudi ambassador Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arriving by private jet. “That was highly unusual,” says Mike Bunk, chief operations officer of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://detroitexecutivegroup.com/" target="_blank">Detroit Executive Group</a>, part of a security detail organized by the U.S. State Department and supported by local police. “But when a threat level is that high, the response has to match it.” 



Such calls to action are on the increase in the world of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/private-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private aviation</a>. The public’s eagerness to track aircraft belonging to the likes of Elon Musk and Taylor Swift, as well as to high-profile CEOs, correlates to recent growth in demand for enhanced security among the industry’s customer base. “That, and targeting private jets by environmental activists, has resulted in an uptick in requests for executive protection and aircraft-asset protection,” says Brian Leek, managing director of Global Protective Solutions at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://crisis24.garda.com/" target="_blank">Crisis24</a>, a Montreal-based firm that specializes in security for corporate clients and ultra-high-net-worth individuals around the world. 



Large companies with their own fleets have to shield top executives against kidnappings or corporate espionage. (Google paid US$5.9 million (HK$46.12 million) for CEO Sundar Pichai’s security last year alone.) Then there’s the public shaming and rising political tensions that have prompted more private fliers to go on the offense by procuring better defense—or at least determine whether or not they need it. 



“Many people don’t realize they have an elevated security risk,” says a representative for <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://qssecurity.com/" target="_blank">QS Security</a>, a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.netjets.com/en-us/" target="_blank">NetJets</a> subsidiary supporting its fractional owners, who asked that his name not be used. “We build a detailed threat profile, evaluating critical elements such as personal history, places of residence, and occupations.” The destination, geopolitical concerns, and cyber-attack susceptibility also play a role in the calculus. For one of Bunk’s East Coast clients who wanted to visit his factory in rural Michigan, an armed driver and SUV sufficed. “He’s not famous, and has no known threats,” says Bunk. “It wasn’t much more expensive than hiring a limo for the day.” 



Flying privately is statistically one of the safest forms of travel, notes Eric Moilanen, founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.premiercorporatesecurity.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier Corporate Security</a>, but the existing infrastructure is what should bolster confidence. Veteran fliers, even those who travel with security, often aren’t aware of the multilayered protection built into private airports and fixed-base operators. Aircraft are stored in hangars, passenger manifests shared on a need-to-know basis, and ground and flight crews undergo regular background checks. Further protocols include sweeping aircraft and ground transport for surveillance bugs. “There’s just no easy way for wrongdoers or paparazzi to penetrate,” says Moilanen.&nbsp;



Experts point out that the air travel isn’t the problem—most incidents happen on the ground, “likely from airport to hotel,” says Gregory Kulis, founder of Business Aviation Safety and Security. A former pilot for a global fashion brand, Kulis recalls an executive being followed from the airport during a contentious acquisition. “That’s why we had one member of the advance team stay behind to watch for suspicious activity,” he says. Kulis’s prime directive to travelers: Blend into surroundings rather than stand out as wealthy Americans.&nbsp;



Discretion has also become a trend among executive-protection agents who eschew the word “bodyguard.” These operatives are mostly ex–law enforcement or military and focus on small-arms weapons and evasive driving while still fitting in at any etiquette-intensive reception. “We’re trained how to dress, how to sit in a five-star restaurant, when to speak—and not—to clients,” says a QS Security agent, who also asked to remain anonymous. “Think butler, with a gun.”&nbsp;



All of this can, of course, be ramped up to your heart’s content—a battalion of close-quarter agents and a fleet of armored vehicles worthy of a visiting head of state. Which is probably overkill. But, paraphrasing novelist Franz Kafka, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Safety in Numbers</h2>



Here’s a quick estimate on how much executive protection might costs, from a single agent to a small army. Note: Prices will vary depending on location.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Armed Driver&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons5.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780215" style="width:649px;height:363px" width="649" height="363"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supplied</figcaption></figure>



Think a stock Jason Statham character: a chauffeur trained in evasive maneuvers to avoid kidnapping and who will escort the client to and from the jet tarmac. Per <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://detroitexecutivegroup.com/" target="_blank">Detroit Executive Group</a>, an eight-hour day runs US$750 (HK$5,863) for the driver, US$450 (HK$3,517) for the SUV, for a total of US$1,200 (HK$9,380). 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Driver and Executive Protection Agent&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons4.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780216" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons4.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supplied</figcaption></figure>



The driver is responsible for transport, while a local executive-protection agent accompanies the client to hotels, restaurants, business meetings, and back to the airport. Add US$900 (HK$7,035) for the close-quarter agent for a daily total of US$2,100 (HK$16,415). 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Three-Person Teams</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons3.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780217" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons3.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons3.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons3.jpg-768x433.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supplied</figcaption></figure>



This triple play includes an advance agent who arrives a day early to scout routes and ground locations; the second agent travels with the client and, at the destination, the third agent handles transport. For a four-day trip, including travel expenses, about US$37,000 (HK$289,223). 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Armored Vehicles</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons2.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780218" style="width:651px" width="651" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons2.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supplied</figcaption></figure>



When the going gets tough, best to have bulletproof glass, armored sides, heavy-duty tires, and reinforced bumpers on an SUV that requires a trained driver. Per <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.alpineco.com/" target="_blank">Alpine Armoring</a>, including shipping costs to the designated city, an armored Cadillac Escalade runs about US$6,500 (HK$50,810) per day. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Small Army</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780219" style="width:652px" width="652" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RR_Icons1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supplied</figcaption></figure>



An elite outfit composed of dozens of agents, multiple vehicles, drones, helicopters, and central coordinators to oversee it all. It’s pricey, but it ups your entourage game considerably.&nbsp;A four-day trip could run into the high six figures.&nbsp;

Armed Drivers

High Profile

Private Aviation

Security

How to Beef up Your Security When You Fly Private, From Armed Drivers to Flight Companions

If&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/adults-only-resorts-2860378/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adults-only resorts&nbsp;</a>already exist, shouldn’t there be planes just for grown-ups, too? Corendon Airlines thinks so.



The Dutch carrier is launching an adult-only zone on flights between&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/amsterdam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amsterdam</a>&nbsp;and Curaçao this November, according to a&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://nieuws.corendon.nl/only-adult-zone-aan-boord-van-corendon-vluchten-naar-curacao/" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;shared in late August. Corendon’s founder Atilay Uslu says the new service is designed for “travelers looking for some extra peace of mind during their flight.”



The “Only Adult” section is reserved exclusively for passengers 16 and up. It will be situated at the front of Corendon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/airbus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus</a>&nbsp;A350 jets, with a wall or curtain separating it from the rest of the aircraft. There will be 93 regular seats and nine extra-large seats with more legroom available in the quiet, child-free haven.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/corendonvliegtuiga350naarcuracao.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780132" style="width:651px" width="651" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/corendonvliegtuiga350naarcuracao.jpg 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/corendonvliegtuiga350naarcuracao-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/corendonvliegtuiga350naarcuracao-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Corendon’s Airbus A350 jets will start flying to Curaçao this November. Corendon Airlines</figcaption></figure>



Launching November 3, the direct flights from Amsterdam to Curaçao will take about 10 hours and currently start at US$396 (€369/HK$3,099). To sit in the adults-only section, passengers will have to pay an extra reservation fee of US$49 (€45/HK$383) for a standard seat or US$109 (€100/HK$853) for an extra-large seat on top of their regular one-way ticket. (It is worth pointing out that Corendon is a low-cost carrier and its planes have no first or business class.)



The new service will obviously appeal to travelers who want to work or relax in a quiet environment, but it could also be beneficial to families. “We also believe that this can have a positive effect on parents traveling with small children,” Uslu adds. “They can enjoy the flight without worrying if their children make more noise.”



Corendon is not the first airline to pilot kid-free zones, as reported by&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://apnews.com/article/airline-test-adults-only-seats-265894c40e7bc7d716ed80db6b810515" target="_blank">AP</a>. Singapore’s Scoot currently offers seats in a “Scoot-in-Silence” section where passengers must be at least 12, while Malaysia Airlines made the upstairs economy section of its Airbus A380 jets adults-only in 2012.&nbsp;



Perhaps full-blown adults-only planes aren’t too far off, after all.

Adults only

Aviation

Corendon Airlines

This European Airline Will Offer an Adults-Only Zone on Its Planes This Fall

If you thought that private jets were all about popping Champagne and living the good life, think again. The largest fractional providers invest tens of millions into technical infrastructures designed to monitor their fleets in real time, with the goal of keeping their owners’ flights on time and safe. Think NASA for private jets.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/flexjet/" target="_blank">Flexjet</a>’s new US$50 million (HK$391.33) headquarters is dominated by the country’s largest seamless LED screen in its operations center. The massive monitor is comprised of 1,572 individual LED screens with a total measurement of 20 by 176 feet. The digital map, which pinpoints Flexjet’s flights at their respective locations across the U.S., is the centerpiece for this state-of-the-art operations room.



The size of the screen almost seems like an unnecessary bragging point, until it becomes clear that it’s part of a larger system responsible for coordinating flights for Flexjet and a half-dozen other brands owned by its parent, Directional Aviation. “It allows us to manage our flights all over the world,” Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci told&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;during a visit to the new facility.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-Operations-Control-Center-4.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780066" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-Operations-Control-Center-4.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-Operations-Control-Center-4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-Operations-Control-Center-4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The global operations center has a futuristic look but was also designed to accommodate projected growth.&nbsp; Flexjet</figcaption></figure>



Flexjet is the second-largest fractional provider behind Columbus, Ohio-based NetJets. Flexjet’s home is north at Cleveland’s Cuyahoga County Airport. The company has all but taken over the once-quiet regional airport as it continues to expand. Now, Flexjet has a 243,000-square-foot campus that includes offices, the operations center, and maintenance facilities. It’s also a frequent stopover point for Flexjet’s fleet of 270 business jets, which range from the light-jet Phenom 300 to the super-midsize Gulfstream G650.



“We’ve seen big growth from before Covid, when we were balancing about 200 flights per day,” says Ricci. “Now that number is up to 350, mostly due to our acquisition of 100 new aircraft.”



The new headquarters was designed as a “futuristic center” for Flexjet and its other brands, Ricci says, complete with glass-encased offices and lounges—angular architectural features that not only give the building a star-shaped look but serve as overhangs to protect the business jets. It is quite the contrast to the old-school facilities, built in 1998, that the new headquarters replaced.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780067" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The glass-encased headquarters on the runway allows business jets to pull up to the building. Flexjet</figcaption></figure>



But the heart of headquarters is clearly its global command center, designed from the ground up to coordinate domestic flights and, as Flexjet and the sister brands grow in Europe, to handle its global flights and operations.



The tiered, stadium-style design, surrounded on different walls by video feeds, data about each aircraft, and satellite weather maps, was inspired by NASA control centers, with departments organized into teams who monitor each flight from the big boards. Having all that data on the walls, and on team members’ personal displays, allows Flexjet to better coordinate flights while also focusing on weather, delays, and maintenance issues. “We have 137 seats in the room, with 89 in the tiered levels and 48 on the main level,” says Jason Christensen, vice president of operations. “In our old center, there were only 50 seats.”



The new space will allow for expansion, says Ricci, as Flexjet continues to acquire larger aircraft like the G650 that can fly internationally. Last summer, the fractional provider made 550 transatlantic flights to Europe, a record for its international traffic. “This international growth is what prompted us to consolidate our operations here in Cleveland,” he says, though its operations centers in Boston and Farnborough, U.K., will remain intact.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3.-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.19.07-AM.jpg-2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780068" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3.-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.19.07-AM.jpg-2.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3.-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.19.07-AM.jpg-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3.-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.19.07-AM.jpg-2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This large octagonal table, with monitors that rise from the base, serves as a situation room for senior managers during peak travel times. Flexjet</figcaption></figure>



The operations center is broken into four groups: flight communications, flight control, logistics, and scheduling, with subgroups like weather meteorologists, maintenance specialists, fleet-category leaders, and reps tasked with handling owner’s flights.



Christensen says the new center combines skilled personnel with new technologies, like optimization software, that coordinates flights—and often finds matches between Flexjet’s own fleet and third-party operators flying for sister brands Sentient and FX Air. “We are able to eliminate empty legs that way,” he says, referring to return flights with no passengers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-flexjet-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.24.37-AM.jpg-2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780069" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-flexjet-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.24.37-AM.jpg-2.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-flexjet-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.24.37-AM.jpg-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-flexjet-Screen-Shot-2023-09-13-at-4.24.37-AM.jpg-2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new building is part of a modernization of Flexjet’s 243,000-sq. foot campus in Cleveland. Flexjet</figcaption></figure>



At the top of the room is an octagonal table, with monitors that lift up out of the surface, where senior managers work during peak travel periods like Thanksgiving or the December holidays. The idea, says Christensen, is to be able to troubleshoot issues that can cause big delays. “One weather delay or mechanical hiccup can impact five to 10 flights,” he says.



Ricci likes the organizational structure of the new center because it puts different departments on the same team. “Our competitors might put schedulers or meteorologists at their own tables,” he says. “We organize our teams around different aircraft types.”



The Flexjet chair has also been flying in new owners in to see the headquarters. “After all, they’re making a commitment worth a few million dollars,” he says. “We designed this facility to be practical but also as a sales and marketing tool for the brand.”

American

Flexjet

private

Flexjet Just Opened a New HK$391.33 Million Headquarters in the U.S. Here’s a Look Inside.

It appears the era of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hydrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrogen</a>-powered planes is upon us.



H2FLY has completed the world’s first piloted flight of an electric <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aircraft/" target="_blank">aircraft</a> powered by liquid hydrogen, according to a statement shared on Thursday. The German company’s<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/h2fly-aircraft-liquid-hydrogen-fuel-1234740571/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> HY4 demonstrator</a> carried out four tests using only the futuristic emissions-free fuel, marking a significant step forward for sustainable air travel.



The twin-prop, which uses liquid hydrogen to power a fuel-cell propulsion system, took off from Maribor, Slovenia before completing four flights. The company says the jaunts proved that using cryogenically stored liquid hydrogen instead of a gaseous alternative can double the range of the HY4, taking it from 466 miles (750 km) to some 932 miles (1,500 km). How? Liquified hydrogen enables significantly lower tank weights and volume, meaning you can carry more onboard to increase range and improve payload.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-IMG_6287.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779990" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-IMG_6287.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-IMG_6287.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-IMG_6287.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The HY4 can seat four fliers. Courtesy H2FLY</figcaption></figure>



“This achievement marks a watershed moment in the use of hydrogen to power aircraft. Together with our partners, we have demonstrated the viability of liquid hydrogen to support medium and long-range emissions-free flight,” H2FLY cofounder Josef Kallo said in a&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.h2fly.de/2023/09/07/h2fly-and-partners-complete-worlds-first-piloted-flight-of-liquid-hydrogen-powered-electric-aircraft/" target="_blank">statement</a>.



This actually isn’t the first time the HY4 has made aviation history. In April, the aircraft set a record for the highest zero-emission flight by soaring to 7,230 feet. It is no slouch in the skies, either, with a maximum speed of 125 mph and a cruising speed of 90 mph. Those numbers could improve as the efficient twin-fuselage design is further refined and the wattage of the fuel-cell system is increased.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lead-IMG_3938.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779991" style="width:651px" width="651" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lead-IMG_3938.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lead-IMG_3938.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lead-IMG_3938.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The aircraft has a range of 932 miles. Courtesy H2FLY</figcaption></figure>



The four-seat HY4 isn’t the only aircraft H2FLY has on the horizon. The company has entered into a partnership with Deutsche Aircraft to develop a larger 40-seat aircraft that can cover 1,200 miles using the same liquid hydrogen.



“We are now looking ahead to scaling up our technology for regional aircraft and other applications, beginning the critical mission of decarbonizing commercial aviation,” Kallo added.



Bring on the new era.

aircraft

Electric Flight

Liquid Hydrogen

This Bonkers Aircraft Just Completed the World’s First Piloted Electric Flight Powered by Liquid Hydrogen

Harlan Estate

Napa Valley

Will Harlan

How Will Harlan, The Second Generation Family Member Steering Napa Valley’s Leading Estate, is Building Upon a Legacy

The first half of the year was quite lucrative for the world’s wealthiest people.



In total, the 500 richest people gained an eye-popping US$852 billion (HK$6.67 trillion) in the first six months of 2023, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-03/musk-zuckerberg-lead-852-billion-wealth-surge-among-world-rich?srnd=wealth" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;on Monday. That made January through June the best half-year since the latter half of 2020, when the economy bounced back from its decline at the very beginning of the pandemic. So far this year, the S&amp;P 500 is up 16 percent, while the Nasdaq 100 has risen 39 percent, thanks mainly to investor’s interest in artificial intelligence benefitting tech stocks. That bump made the first half of 2023 the Nasdaq 100’s best first half of a year ever.



In terms of individuals,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/elon-musk/" target="_blank">Elon Musk</a>, the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/elon-musk-richest-person-on-the-planet-1234850428/" target="_blank">world’s richest person</a>, fared the best over the past six months, adding US$96.6 billion (HK$756 billion) to his fortune alone—with his current net worth sitting at US$234 billion (HK$1.83 trillion). After him, almost US$40 billion (HK$313 billion) behind, is Mark Zuckerberg, with an extra US$58.9 billion (HK$461 billion) so far this year. (He sits at No. 9 in the ranking of the wealthiest people in the world.) Rounding out the best performers in the first half of the year are Jeff Bezos (who added US$47.4 billion/ HK$371 billion), Larry Ellison (US$40.8 billion/ HK$319 billion), and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/bernard-arnault-hailed-god-of-fortunes-china-1234862503/" target="_blank">Bernard Arnault</a>&nbsp;(US$38.2 billion/ HK$291 billion).



While the overall total for billionaire gains is quite high, not everyone on the Bloomberg&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/billionaires/" target="_blank">Billionaires</a>&nbsp;Index experienced a bump. He’s still among the ranks of the ultra-wealthy, but Gautam Adani lost US$60.2 billion (HK$471 billion) from January through June, including the largest one-day loss with a drop of US$20.8 billion (HK$162 billion). (That was thanks to Hindenburg Research accusing the Adani Group of accounting fraud and stock manipulation, which Adani denies.) The biggest percentage decrease was experienced by Carl Icahn, whose fortune fell a whopping 57 percent, losing US$13.4 billion (HK$105 billion). Even still, Adani is the 21st&nbsp;richest person in the world, while Icahn sits at No. 194.



Despite major losses like these, Bloomberg noted that every person on its Billionaires Index made an average of US$14 million (HK$110 million) a day in the first six months of 2023. That sure sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Bernard Arnault

billionaires

bloomberg billionaire index

Elon Musk

Gautam adani

Jeff Bezos

Mark Zuckerberg

news

rich

The World’s 500 Wealthiest People Got HK$6.67 Trillion Richer the First Half of This Year

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.



A flock of avid bidders pushed the price of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/princess-diana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princess Diana</a>’s iconic&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/princess-diana-black-sheep-sweater-auction-1234858747/" target="_blank">“Black Sheep” sweater</a>&nbsp;to record heights at Sotheby’s on Thursday.



The red knit, famously worn by Lady Di at a polo match in the 1980s, absolutely obliterated pre-<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auction/">auction</a>&nbsp;estimates to hammer down for US$1.1 million (HK$8,597,374.5) at a sale in New York. It is now the most valuable sweater ever sold at auction, comfortably eclipsing a&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com.au/style/kurt-cobains-mtv-unplugged-cardigan-is-expected-to-fetch-more-than-290000-at-auction/" target="_blank">Kurt Cobain cardigan</a>&nbsp;that achieved US$334,000 (HK$2,610,694)in 2019. It also set an auction record for any piece of Diana’s clothing, surpassing her&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/purple-gown-princess-diana-1991-royal-sold-for-450000-at-auction-1234802140/" target="_blank">Victor Edelstein</a>&nbsp;evening dress that sold for $604,800 earlier this year.



The jumper, which was recently rediscovered by its makers Joanna Osborne and Sally Muir, attracted a total of 44 bids in its first market appearance. The sale culminated in a fierce 15-minute bidding battle that drove the price from US$190,000 (HK$1,484,990.6) up to US$1.1 million (HK$8.6 million). The final sum was 14 times the original high estimate of US$80,000 (HK$625,259).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Diana_Sweater1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780206" style="width:651px" width="651" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Diana_Sweater1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Diana_Sweater1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Diana_Sweater1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Princess Diana’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/princess-diana-black-sheep-sweater-auction-1234858747/" target="_blank">“Black Sheep” sweater</a>&nbsp;sold for US$1.1 million. Courtesy of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sothebys/">Sotheby’s</a></figcaption></figure>



The knit was one of the first pieces Osborne and Muir designed for Warm &amp; Wonderful and helped push the British label into the public eye. The original design was missing for decades but the duo found it earlier this year while searching for an old pattern in an attic.



“Since stumbling upon the sweater in March of this year, we have been reliving the fond memories of Princess Diana appearing on the front pages of every newspaper in 1981, wearing our very own sweater,” the designers said in a statement. “While we are forever indebted to her for the impact this had on our business, our deepest appreciation lies in the knowledge that she shared a unique connection to the black sheep design.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WarmWonderful.jpg-2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780207" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WarmWonderful.jpg-2.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WarmWonderful.jpg-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WarmWonderful.jpg-2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Warm &amp; Wonderful’s “Diana Edition” Sheep Sweater.</figcaption></figure>



Warm &amp; Wonderful stopped producing the sweater in 1994 but&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/style/fashion/princess-diana-sweater-warm-and-wonderful-1234642675/" target="_blank">resurrected the design</a>&nbsp;in 2020 with Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers. The contemporary iteration can be purchased via Warm &amp; Wonderful or&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Frowing-blazers.sjv.io%2Fc%2F256585%2F1392538%2F16616%3FsubId1%3DRR--%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frowingblazers.com%252Fproducts%252Fmens-cotton-sheep-sweater%253Fvariant%253D41035115855906&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Fmenswear%2Fprincess-diana-black-sheep-sweater-auction-record-1234897755%2F&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Fmenswear%2Fprincess-diana-black-sheep-sweater-auction-record-1234897755%2F&amp;event_type=click&amp;trx-iid=iid1695087057814efi" target="_blank">Rowing Blazers for US$248</a> (HK1,938). That’s a steal compared to US$1.1 million.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Frowing-blazers.sjv.io%2Fc%2F256585%2F1392538%2F16616%3FsubId1%3DRR--%26u%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Frowingblazers.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-cotton-sheep-sweater%3Fvariant%3D41035115855906&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Fmenswear%2Fprincess-diana-black-sheep-sweater-auction-record-1234897755%2F&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Fmenswear%2Fprincess-diana-black-sheep-sweater-auction-record-1234897755%2F&amp;event_type=click&amp;trx-iid=iid1695087057814efi" target="_blank">BUY NOW ON ROWING BLAZERS: US$248/HK$1938</a>

highest bid

millions

Princess Diana

Sweater

Princess Diana’s Iconic ‘Black Sheep’ Sweater Just Sold for a Record HK$8.6 Million at Auction

T. Kimball Brooker has amassed more than 1,000&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/books/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">books</a>&nbsp;over the past 60 years, but now he is ready to hand them on to someone new.



The scholar is auctioning off his comprehensive collection of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/renaissance/" target="_blank">Renaissance</a>&nbsp;tomes in eight auctions at Sotheby’s this fall. Bibliotheca Brookeriana will be one of the most significant and comprehensive libraries to ever go under the gavel, according to the auction house. It is understandable, then, that the haul is expected to achieve in excess of US$25 million (HK$195.97 million).



Brooker’s carefully curated trove includes more than 1,300 16th-century French and Italian books in their original bindings. It also includes the largest collection of editions from the renowned Aldine Press to come to the market in a century, according to Sotheby’s. Established in Venice in 1494, the Aldine Press is considered a precursor to contemporary publishing and pioneered things like italics and small paperback-like books.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779907" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">T. Kimball Brooker amassed more than 1,500 books in six decades. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sothebys-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sotheby’s</a></figcaption></figure>



“Collecting the books to be offered in this series of sales has been an enduring source of satisfaction and enjoyment; these volumes, many dating from the infancy of the printed word, have also provided the material for much ground-breaking scholarly research on renaissance printing and bookbinding,” Brooker said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana4.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779908" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana4.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The haul is expected to fetch in excess of US$25 million. Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



The books showcase the convergence of art, architecture, and knowledge in the Renaissance era, as well as the meticulous craftsmanship that was executed at that time. The thousand or so Aldine rarities were published from the 1490s to the 1590s. (Other collections of this size and pedigree are held in museums across L.A., N.Y., and the U.K.) In addition, there are another 450 historic hardcovers that date back thousands of years to the private collections of noblemen, kings, and more.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana3.jpg-750x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779909" style="width:653px" width="653" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana3.jpg-750x1024.webp 750w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana3.jpg-220x300.webp 220w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana3.jpg-768x1048.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bibliotheca_Brookeriana3.jpg.webp 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The books still feature their original bindings. Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



“Although I naturally part with my wonderful books with mixed feelings, I will retain these memories, and am heartened to know that my books, as I send them on their way, will pass to buyers who will care for them and cherish them as much as I have,” Brooker adds.



The auctions will kick off on October 12 with a dedicated sale at Sotheby’s New York. The books will be on display at the York Avenue galleries from October 5 to 11. The rest of the auctions will take place in New York and London through 2025.

collectors

rare books

Sotheby's

This Massive Collection of Renaissance-Era Books Could Fetch Over HK$195.97 Million at Auction

artist

Bonhams

Christie's

Hong Kong

Phillips

The 14 Top Lots of 2023 So Far from Hong Kong Auctions

Even if you’re not getting married, this something blue is well worth your time.



A massive blue&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/diamond/" target="_blank">diamond</a>&nbsp;nicknamed Bleu Royal will be auctioned off by Christie’s this fall, during the house’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/magnificent-jewels/" target="_blank">Magnificent Jewels</a>&nbsp;sale in Geneva. The stone will be the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond to ever appear at auction—and it comes with the price tag to match: Estimates for the gem currently sit at US$35 million (HK$273.88 million) to US$50 million (HK$391.26&nbsp;million).



“This is a true miracle of nature,” Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewellery, said in a statement. “Over our 257-year long history Christie’s has had the privilege of offering the world’s rarest gems at auction, and Bleu Royal continues this tradition. We are proud to offer collectors the opportunity to own a diamond fit for Royalty.”



Bleu Royal, which weighs an impressive 17.61 carats, has been cut and polished into a symmetrical pear shape and set in a ring. One of the rarest diamonds to have ever been unearthed, according to Christie’s, it’s been part of an anonymous private collection for the past 50 years.



Christie’s noted that fancy vivid blue diamonds are extremely rare, and that prices for colored gems have&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/everything-about-blue-diamond-market-and-why-its-blowing-231481/" target="_blank">risen exponentially</a>&nbsp;over the past few years. The auction house has only sold three such diamonds in its past: In 2010, the 10.95-carat&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/big-blue-hits-the-auction-block-235037/" target="_blank">Bulgari Blue</a>&nbsp;hammered down for US$15.8 million (HK$123.64&nbsp;million). That was followed in 2014 by the 13.22-carat Winston Blue, which fetched US$23.8 million (HK$186.25 million). And in 2016, the 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue sold for an eye-popping US$57.5 million (HK$449.97 million).



Potential Bleu Royal buyers will have to wait until the Magnificent Jewels auction kicks off on November 7, while admirers will be able to view the lots on offer throughout October in cities across the world, including New York and Hong Kong. The Bleu Royal will certainly be the star of the show, and if it hammers down for the expected US$50 million (HK$391.26&nbsp;million) estimate, the gem would almost beat the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/diamond-leads-christies-magnificent-jewels-1234853365/" target="_blank">combined total</a>&nbsp;for Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York this summer. While that sale brought in a combined US$62 million (HK$485.19 million), it seems the auction house is looking at an even bigger payday this fall.

Blue diamond

Geneva

Magnificent Jewels

This Massive, Flawless Blue Diamond Could Fetch Up to HK$391 Million at Auction

The 14-suite&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://miavana.com/" target="_blank">Miavana</a>&nbsp;resort, which occupies its own private island off&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/madagascar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madagascar</a>’s northeastern coast, has introduced an all-inclusive package with a difference: Five-star room and board is bundled with a round-trip private transfer in the hotel’s Learjet 45 from Johannesburg’s Fireblade private terminal.&nbsp;



Since Miavana launched the program (priced at US$33,000 (HK$257,418) per person for one week) in Covid’s wake,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.scottdunn.com/us/scott-dunn-private" target="_blank">Scott Dunn Private</a>&nbsp;head Jules Maury reports she has regularly sent guests to the hotel, always booking its shuttle service alongside a villa or two. The package appeals for practical reasons, per Maury: A charter’s the only smart way to reach Madagascar now, easing the logistical hiccups created by patchy commercial service since the onset of the pandemic. Adding a connection by private jet also ekes out a few extra hours of pampering. “You feel like a million dollars straight away—the magic is extraordinary because it’s started on the journey,” she says.&nbsp;



And Miavana isn’t the only elite property offering the high-net-worth answer to a package holiday. The model has long been standard in the Maldives, of course, where most luxe retreats perch atop their own atolls, but it’s now spreading to similar destinations worldwide:&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hawaii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaii</a>’s Four Seasons–operated&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.fourseasons.com/sensei/" target="_blank">Sensei Lanai</a>&nbsp;currently offers a promotion that includes charter transfer from Honolulu in its room rate. Likewise, while many safari camps can arrange private puddle jumpers, only&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://tswalu.com/" target="_blank">Tswalu</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/south-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Africa</a>’s Kalahari has a spacious Beechcraft King Air 350 to help upgrade the 90-minute flight from Johannesburg.&nbsp;



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bawahreserve.com/" target="_blank">Bawah Reserve</a>&nbsp;operates its own amphibious plane to shuttle guests to the six-island Indonesian archipelago, while Panama’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://islassecas.com/" target="_blank">Islas Secas</a>&nbsp;has a private Twin Otter turboprop for up to 14 guests, connecting directly to the capital city’s commercial airport. Overnighting in Antarctica with&nbsp;<a href="https://white-desert.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White Desert</a>&nbsp;is facilitated by the company’s fleet of planes, including a Gulfstream G550.&nbsp;



Maury expects this trend to take off even more in response to shifting travel patterns that emphasize far-flung sorties. “People are looking for that&nbsp;Robinson Crusoe&nbsp;environment, somewhere that feels a long, long way from everywhere—it’s about a sense of adventure,” she explains. The pivot to private that took place during the height of the pandemic is a factor, too. “It went from ‘We don’t need to do that’ to ‘Let’s get a jet straightaway,’ ” she says with a laugh. “It’s like the tiger who tastes a man for the first time: It just wants to keep on eating.”&nbsp;

Hotels

Miavana

private island

Resort

Why Luxe Hotels Around the World Are Offering up Private Jets to Their Guests

Sometime around noon, I must have dozed off following an early morning drive through the bush. The sound of crunching leaves and a faint grunt roused me. It wasn’t our host approaching my chalet. Sitting up slowly, I saw the trunk of an elephant pulling on a tree branch for its afternoon snack, outside a fenced window to my right. After filling up, it led its small family to the watering hole just ahead of my chalet. That’s how you wake up in one of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/zambia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zambia</a>’s most luxurious bushcamp stays.&nbsp;



Founded in 1999 by Andy Hogg and Andrea Bizzaro, the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bushcampcompany.com/" target="_blank">Bushcamp Company</a>&nbsp;resides in South Luangwa National Park with six exclusive bushcamps and three lodges in the remote south of the park. The closest airport to its main grounds is Mfuwe International Airport. It’s a 45-minute drive to the company headquarters, Mfuwe Lodge, our first night’s stay. Hogg, a native Zambian, was there to greet us and give the lay of the land. Glancing around the open-air site set near two hippo-filled lagoons, I felt a world away from home as we began to embark on our four-site tour across the grounds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MFUWE-038-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780264" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MFUWE-038-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MFUWE-038-1.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MFUWE-038-1.jpg-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With 18 waterfront rooms, peeping pachyderms might stop by at Mfuwe Lodge Courtesy of the Bushcamp Company</figcaption></figure>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.southluangwa.com/mfuwe-lodge.html" target="_blank">Mfuwe Lodge</a>&nbsp;spans 18 waterfront chalets with a swimming pool and spa, bar, and dining area. My room had a king-size bed covered with a mosquito net and a modern bathroom with separate shower and restroom facilities. Although I had a run in with a large but harmless black spider in my room that evening, you’ll want to brave the bugs on the outdoor patio overlooking the lagoon where hippos make their laugh-like croaks.



Following a scenic-view breakfast alongside a pack of impalas the next morning, our group left for the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bushcampcompany.com/zungulila/" target="_blank">Zungulila bushcamp</a>. Unlike the lodge where we had Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, it was set in a more secluded area of the park. Yet it supplied us with clean, regularly tested water sourced from deep boreholes (water wells) for drinking, showers, and meals prepared by head chef Wendy Dunn—like all nine properties in the Bushcamp Company fold. Solar panel displays on site here also helped to heat water for showers, fuel camp lighting, and power kitchen equipment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MfuweLodge017.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780263" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MfuweLodge017.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MfuweLodge017.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MfuweLodge017.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Courtesy of the Bushcamp Company</figcaption></figure>



Zungulila was the most peaceful of the four sites I experienced, open April to January yearly with four chalets that provide stunning outdoor bathtubs and landscape views. You won’t have charging outlets for your devices here beyond the central lounge, bar, and dining area, where we all scrambled to power things in the mornings and before bed. One evening, I forgot to charge my phone and it died back at my chalet: Not being able to recharge it and try checking in on emails or social feeds just made for a better night’s rest.



The second bushcamp, named<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bushcampcompany.com/bilimungwe/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Bilimungwe</a>, or Bili as Hogg calls it, is open May to December. This four-chalet outpost has watering holes placed behind each accommodation, which afford you unforgettable views of kudu, baboons, puku, elephants, and the occasional leopard. The site’s quirky lodge manager Alex Stewart is a gracious host, sharing captivating stories of years past at the camp over dinners and during sunrise breakfasts overlooking the Luangwa River. This was the best stay of our tour because it offered both an exciting kind of peace and unfettered charm. One final note: Two of its chalets, including mine, had bats inside that came out at night, but hey—when in nature, right?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bili-1-OAJ4631.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780265" style="width:647px" width="647" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bili-1-OAJ4631.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bili-1-OAJ4631.jpg-300x199.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bili-1-OAJ4631.jpg-768x508.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Water brings out the animals at the four chalet Bilimungwe. Courtesy of the Bushcamp Company</figcaption></figure>



Robb Report&nbsp;was also one of the first to experience the newly opened&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bushcampcompany.com/kukaya/" target="_blank">KuKaya Lodge</a>&nbsp;by the Bushcamp Company. Open year-round, it houses five tented villas with two separate rooms inside. A single-unit villa is also available to guests as a sixth room for a minimum of two guests. While its luxe facilities range from a kitchen with a stocked fridge to a fire pit and private swimming pool, it felt disappointingly generic and rather too similar to a luxe accommodation you could find anywhere—minus its ties to late Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda whose former holiday home resided here.&nbsp;



Despite this, KuKaya Lodge felt like the best accommodation for a large group or families. In fact, over dinner and drinks on a few evenings we were joined by one family who were happy with their stay. I also say this because aside from the baboons, I felt least aware here about what animals could be lurking outside my villa or potentially agitated by, say, the sounds of a crying toddler. Children under the age of 12 aren’t permitted to join in on walking safaris in the park. You’ll also need to reserve a private camp or hire a private guide and vehicle for the duration of your stay if you’re traveling with children under the age of 11.



I experienced two walking safaris, both led by our amazing guide Fannuel Banda who has been with Bushcamp Company for 17 years. His expertise led us close enough to a giraffe for picture-taking one morning nearby the Kapamba River. We also trailed a pack of wild dogs and witnessed a leopard scale a tree to catch a baboon on separate game drives he hosted. It was spectacular. Night drives featured the famous “sundowners,” or stops along the river at sundown for refreshments and a view. We also enjoyed special surprises which are factored into every guest experience. They range from a lunch in the bush to an evening kickback set in the river, complete with Dunn’s delicious meals like chicken skewers with wine or family-friendly pizza and taco-making on site.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KUKAYA-017.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780266" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KUKAYA-017.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KUKAYA-017.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KUKAYA-017.jpg-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">KuKaya Lodge is the latest lodge to open.&nbsp; Courtesy of the Bushcamp Company</figcaption></figure>



There is more to come here, though. Hogg walked us through a blocked off section of KuKaya Lodge where he’s constructing an upscale boma/guest area overlooking the nearby lagoon. It houses a sunken rondavel section where Kaunda held private meetings; guests will be able to enjoy drinks here with their group. At dinner one evening, Hogg mentions one other natural perk he aims to factor into the guest experience.



“The annual bat migration at Kasanka National Park in Zambia happens each November,” he says.&nbsp;“For discerning&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/safari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safari</a>&nbsp;goers, the combination of the Kasanka bat migration and the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bushcampcompany.com/elephants-in-reception/" target="_blank">Mfuwe Lodge elephants in reception</a>&nbsp;will be an unforgettable experience.”



Rates for all four locations range from US$480 (HK$3,754) to US$630 (HK$4,927) per person a night.

Africa

game resort

Glamping

Luxury

Zambia

What It’s Like to Stay at Zambia’s Most Luxurious Big-Game Resorts

Welcome to Checking In, a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_01-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780288" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_01-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_01-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_01-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_01-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_01-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raffles is one of eight hotels at Galaxy Macau. </figcaption></figure>



Describe the property in three words: Grand. Personalised. Detail-orientated.



What’s the deal? As a part of Raffles Hotels &amp; Resorts’ ambitious plan to cement its presence in vital Asian hubs, a brand-new hotel under its aegis has soft-opened in August 2023 at the ever-expanding Galaxy Macau resort estate (which has seven other hospitality brands on its grounds).



Raffles at Galaxy Macau is comprised of two golden towers overlooking Cotai and Taipa. It’s also the largest all-suites Raffles hotel in the world, and its most ambitious project to date. Burgundy interiors—the signature colour of this location— are complemented by flooding sunlight, natural greenery, and timeless Italian flair. From the high-ceilinged lobby to the marble fireplaces in the rooms, there’s an elegant design mix of classic and contemporary. With its indoor trees, an art collection centred around a “four seasons” theme, and a secret garden, Raffles has created an oasis in the heart of the bustling Galaxy Macau.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_04-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780289" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_04-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_04-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_04-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_04-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_04-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Panoramic Suite has 180-degree floor-to-ceiling views. </figcaption></figure>



The best room: Certainly, the booked-out Presidential Suite appears to be the most attractive option, but for us, the best of the 450 keys must be the Panoramic Suite. Boasting two rooms and a relaxing lounge in-between, the 118-square-metre space has curved floor-to-ceiling windows running along the outer walls—the best way to take in the spectacular view.



Does the resort have a standout perk? Does an interesting backstory count? According to the brand literature, the lavish design of Raffles at Galaxy Macau is based on the (fictional) story of a 14th-century Italian merchant who desires to fill the spaces of his residence with an enviable collection of Eastern and Western artefacts—that explains the connecting thread of elegant Italian craftsmanship and materials throughout the hotel.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Sculpture-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780292" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Sculpture-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Sculpture-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Sculpture-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Sculpture-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Sculpture.jpeg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raffles at Galaxy Macau is art-oriented, featuring Italian craftsmanship and materials.</figcaption></figure>



Did they greet you by name at check-in? Yes. In fact, forget about check-in; a butler was waiting for our car to arrive, greeted us by name, and took us straight to our suite—he had our personalised room keys in-hand and took care of all the reception hassle while we settled in. &nbsp;



Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? (Bonus point if it wasn’t just fruit juice.) Yes. How they timed the arrival of the welcome soup—yes, something new and novel—and served it at the perfect temperature is a mystery and a joyous wonder. Our butler was also ready to have a signature Singapore Sling cocktail prepared for us from the bar cart, or pour us a cup of premium pu’er from the Chinese tea set, if it pleased us, which went beautifully with the personalised Robb Report Hong Kong welcome pastries.



Is there a private butler for every room? Yes and no. A private butler certainly welcomed us on arrival, showed us the ins and outs of the Deluxe Suite in which we stayed, gave us his name multiple times, and came to serve us lunch all within the first few hours. However, he didn’t give us a way to directly contact him after his departure, meaning that other equally attentive and switched-on members of the butler team served us when we needed anything.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_05-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780293" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_05-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_05-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_05-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_05-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_05-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Raffles Signature Pool Suite features an outdoor heated pool and hot tub.</figcaption></figure>



Is the sheet thread count higher than 300? Yes, the custom-made Canasin sheets have a 400 thread count. What’s more, our names were embroidered on the pillowcases (and we took those home as souvenirs, as well as the bathrobe, which was similarly personalised. It’s an add-on perk and customisation service that Raffles reserves for select guests. And speaking of personalisation, each room key was embossed with our name, like a credit card).



Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet? No; the temperature of the marble bathroom floor is not noticeably warm or cold, but this is Macau, and the climate remains mild for most of the year. Yes to the bidet; the Japanese-style Duravit toilet steals the show with its many lavatory functions—that is, until you turn around and notice the splendid bathtub and smart TV mirror. A lot was going on in the bathrooms, and we loved it.



Are the toiletries full-sized? Yes; the body lotion, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner were full-sized, from the À L’Aube Des Sens line by Maison Caulières. Other toiletries were travel-sized, and the wooden comb, toothbrush, and razor were nice eco-friendly touches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_06-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780290" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_06-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_06-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_06-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_06-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles_06-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 40-metre-long infinity pool for guest use.</figcaption></figure>



Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use? Yes, for some; the Raffles Signature Pool Suite and the Terrace Pool Suite come with their own private heated pools and hot tubs. A divine, 40-metre-long infinity pool complete with the poolside Belvedere venue serving refreshments welcomes everyone else staying at the hotel. Staff in marinières striped shirts will make sure you’re all set with a “pool kit”—two towels, sunscreen, water, and apples.



Is there caviar on the room service menu? If so, what kind? No. Ossetra and Kristal caviar generously dressed the plates served on the Raffles Lounge &amp; Terrace dinner menu, but no sign of them on the in-room dining selection. However, the in-room dim sum was delightful.



Do you want to spend your Friday night in the lobby bar? Yes, for two reasons. Firstly, the Raffles Lounge &amp; Terrace has a 15-metre-high chandelier made of no fewer than 523,000 pieces of crystal, setting the majestic ambience. Secondly, the legendary Singapore Sling—invented by mixologist Ngiam Tong Boon at Raffles Singapore—is best served fresh.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Lounge-Terrace-Bartender-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780291" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Lounge-Terrace-Bartender-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Lounge-Terrace-Bartender-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Lounge-Terrace-Bartender-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Lounge-Terrace-Bartender-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Raffles-Lounge-Terrace-Bartender.jpeg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raffles Bar &amp; Lounge</figcaption></figure>



Would you buy the hotel if you could? Yes. It would be quite the investment as this ultra-luxurious hotel is the eighth in the Galaxy Macau ensemble, but seeing as there’s still more to come—a kappō restaurant helmed by Masaaki Miyakawa and a new take on Singapore’s Long Bar designed by Joyce Wang are in the works—we think it’s a long-term win.



Total: 9



What Our Score Means:



1–3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here. 4–6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch. 7–8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms. 9–10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?



All images courtesy of Raffles at Galaxy Macau.

What It’s Like to Stay at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the Group’s Largest Suite-Only Hotel

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lond</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/">on</a>&nbsp;certainly has no dearth of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hotels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotels</a>. But a new property is hoping to make a splash when it opens on Friday.



The&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.thebotree.com/" target="_blank">BoTree</a>, a member of Preferred Hotels &amp; Resorts’ Legend Collection, is a 199-key stunner smack-dab in the center of the West End, connecting the posh neighborhoods of Marylebone, Mayfair, and Soho. And while the guest rooms are well-appointed and the food is fabulous, the hotel has a strong eco-conscious bent as well, meaning you can feel good about spending your time and money here.



“We are combining uncompromising standards with a purpose-driven approach to inspire connections between our guests, colleagues, the local community, and the planet,” Rishi Sachdev, the hotel’s founder, told&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;in an email. “It will create a sense of belonging at the BoTree, which I can’t wait for everyone to experience.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bathroom.jpg-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780047" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bathroom.jpg-1.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bathroom.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bathroom.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A double vanity means plenty of sink space. The BoTree</figcaption></figure>



Built by EPR Architects and designed by the BoTree team alongside the Amsterdam-based firm Concrete, the hotel combines light wood with pops of color that lend the property a youthful vibrancy. The 143 Deluxe Rooms, starting at US$830 (HK$6,496) a night, feature a reception space and WC before sliding panels open up into the bedroom, bathroom, and lounge area. The plush beds are decked out with vegan leather headboards and eucalyptus Tencel bedding—the hotel’s green bona fides in action—while Jasper Conran Wedgewood tea sets serve as both lovely decor and functional pieces for your afternoon cuppa. In the bathrooms, you’ll find all-natural Jo Loves products, with the BoTree being one of the first properties in the world to debut the brand’s Pomelo collection.



Those looking for extra space will certainly find it in one of the 30 suites, which along with all the usual accoutrements include a lounge, personal bar, and cocktail station. (Don’t worry, there’s still a lobby bar.) The crème de la crème is the BoTree Suite, with a private elevator lobby, guest entrance, and outdoor terrace with sweeping views of central London. If that isn’t enough space for you, the room can be combined with the adjoining suites to create a 3,770-square-foot oasis.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bar.jpg-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780048" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bar.jpg-1.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bar.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Bar.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The swank BoTree Bar The BoTree</figcaption></figure>



For the BoTree’s food and beverage offerings, the hotel has joined forces with the audacious Tao Group Hospitality. Here, the group is importing their Italian joint Lavo, which serves up coastal cuisine. The culinary director, Stefano Lorenzini, will be slinging dishes such as a giant Wagyu meatball with whipped ricotta; tagliatelle al limone with marjoram, sweet butter, and Kaluga caviar; and salt-baked Mediterranean sea bass. The BoTree Bar, meanwhile, is a sexy, jewel-toned space for throwing back a Martini or two and chatting up the bartender.



“We&nbsp;want our team, our guests, our neighbors, and everyone we interact with to be treated in the same way that we would treat family,” Sachdev said. “To connect and feel a sense of belonging through a shared morality and belief in what the right thing to do is.”&nbsp;



The BoTree opening marks the launch of Place III hotels, which will be a group of luxury hotels in top London locations. Both Brickmakers Yard in Soho and CTQ in Holborn Viaduct are set to open in 2026. In the near term, the BoTree itself will open an event space, a private bar, a wellness area, and a rooftop so that all guests can enjoy the London skyline. But even without those extra amenities, the property will appeal to travelers who want a London vacation that delivers style and sustainability in equal measure.&nbsp;



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/gallery/the-botree-photos-1234893451/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to see all the images of the BoTree.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Lead.jpg-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780049" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Lead.jpg-1.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Lead.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BoTree-Lead.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>

BoTree

Eco-Conscious

hotel

London

Marylebone

Mayfair

Soho

This Posh New London Hotel Blends Vibrant Design With an Eco-Conscious Ethos

Classic Cars

mercedes

Most Expensive

The 20 Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold at Auction, From Ferrari to Mercedes

When we look back at the Renaissance Masters, often overlooked are the patrons who financed the creativity that continues to inspire us today. On August 19, it was if the Medici had come to Monterey Car Week, as&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-ceo-evs-only-1234808328/" target="_blank">Rolls-Royce</a> presented its latest masterwork to an undisclosed family extremely supportive and beloved by the brand. After six years, twice as long as it took Michelangelo to sculpt the statue of David, the 119-year-old marque has unveiled its latest one-off commission, La Rose Noire Droptail.



The third such coachbuild, following the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/the-rolls-royce-sweptail-is-the-first-one-off-wonder-of-its-kind-in-70-years-2714457/" target="_blank">2017 Sweptail</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-boat-tail-global-debut-1234639614/" target="_blank">2021 Boat Tail</a>, the Droptail is a two-seat roadster. This departure from the four-seat configuration—de rigueur in the British automaker’s contemporary model line—is evocative of the 1912 Silver Ghost “Sluggard”, the 1925 Silver Ghost Piccadilly, and the 1930&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolls-royce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce</a>&nbsp;Phantom Brewster New York Roadster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-07-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779250" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-07-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-07-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-07-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



“It is a very different time from how it used to be in the 1920s to how it is today; it is technically far, far, far more complex than it was over 100 years ago,” says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, in regards to the challenges presented in creating a truly custom car. And by “custom”, we’re talking about tailoring that goes exponentially beyond embossing the Champagne chiller and headrests with your initials, but actually shaping your own vehicle.



“We will be doing four of these Droptails, very different Droptails, and they are all around a love story,” says Müller-Ötvös during an invite-only preview of the car just hours prior to its customer delivery at Rolls-Royce’s private residence in Pebble Beach. For this first example, Müller-Ötvös describes the theme around it as taking a “honeymoon cruise . . . in this case, it’s a love story they [the clients] are celebrating this weekend—their 30th wedding anniversary.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-w-L1070990-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779251" style="width:651px" width="651" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-w-L1070990-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-w-L1070990-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-w-L1070990-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our invite-only preview of the car was just hours prior to its customer delivery at Rolls-Royce’s private residence in Pebble Beach. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



Integral to the theme is the Black Baccara rose, which is an element ubiquitous to the 17.3-foot-long roadster measuring just over 6.5 feet in width. It’s most evident in the two-tone color scheme that, like the rose itself, varies from pomegranate to black, and morphs in between depending on how it dances with the light. It was a look that took 150 versions to get right. Equally eye-catching is what is claimed to be “the single most complex wood project ever undertaken by Rolls-Royce.” The parquetry presentation spans the entire sweep of paneling behind the seats and extends onto the doors.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-wL1070806-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779252" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-wL1070806-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-wL1070806-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-wL1070806-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A new take on the Pantheon Grille features vanes that bend slightly near the top, a first for the marque. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



“Here the client was quite specific in their request to create the impression of rose petals flowing through the interior, but to do so in an abstract way,” says Alex Innes, head of Coachbuild Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, adding that it comprises “1,603 individually cut and stenciled pieces of black sycamore, sourced in France at the client’s request.” That entire process alone took three years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-12-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779253" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-12-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-12-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-w-12-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The parquetry comprises 1,603 individually pieces of black sycamore. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



Another distinct visual accent is the custom&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/audemars-piguet-replace-stolen-watches-1234826378/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audemars Piguet</a>&nbsp;43 mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date that Innes describes as a commission that involved “not just a unique timepiece, but a mechanism that allows the timepiece to be removed from the wrist and then retreat deep down into the fascia of the car itself.”



The Rolls-Royce’s exterior design also features a few firsts, most noticeable being a new take on the Pantheon Grille, which eschews the normally straight vanes for ones that bend slightly near the top—something the marque has never done before. And all the metal has received a new treatment as well. “We developed a completely unique, technological finish that brings not only this darker hue to all of the metalwork, but is highly reflective,” says Innes, “ensuring that La Rose Noire wears the personality of the environment, wherever it finds itself in the world.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-w-13-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail.-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779254" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-w-13-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail.-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-w-13-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail.-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-w-13-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail.-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When not on the wrist, the custom Audemars Piguet 43 mm Royal Oak timepiece can be set within the fascia.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>



As for the shape of the body, Innes points out the “very short front overhang and also a strong inclination rearwards. But more unusual for Rolls-Royce is that you have a very compact and agile rear overhang and, more profoundly, a very, very generous body-side section to an incredibly shallow windscreen proportion.” The result of these aesthetic measures is that it gives the sensation of, as Innes describes it, “pushing the owners deep down inside the cabin space and cosseting and protecting them as you would expect from a roadster body style.” &nbsp;



La Rose Noire, while shown as a roadster, does have a separate roof component that, when installed, “transforms it into a formidable looking coupé,” according to Innes, who mentioned that, in order to get the desired styling, his team “studied West Coast custom hot rods from the 1930s.”&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-01-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779255" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-01-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-01-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w-01-La-Rose-Noire-Droptail-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The separate roof “transforms the roadster into a formidable looking coupé,” according to Alex Innes, head of Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild Design division. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



Although this Droptail and Rolls-Royce’s coachbuilds in general are highly personalized and could easily be imagined to stay within multiple generations of a family, there’s an obviously strong collectable component to the car. After all, it’s art like the pieces personally commissioned by the Medici that are why we build museums today.



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&amp;p=1234884553/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;for more photos of the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/50-10.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779256" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/50-10.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/50-10.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/50-10.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail.Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>

La Rose Noire Droptail

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Unveils Its Unique La Rose Noire Droptail. Here’s Everything to Know.

Chic wristwear stars against a backdrop of Parisian landmarks in&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/homepage" target="_blank">Louis Vuitton</a>’s latest campaign.&nbsp;



In a short film directed by Damien Chazelle, Bradley Cooper shows off the brand’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/tambour-automatic-40mm-steel-nvprod4540024v/W1ST10" target="_blank">new Tambour watch</a>&nbsp;as he finds his way to his beloved in the City of Light. The 40 mm timepiece crafted from steel was unveiled in July, 21 years after the debut of the original Tambour’s design.&nbsp;



The watch showcases a sleek gray dial with small-seconds subdial and white-gold luminescent hour markers and hands.&nbsp;Cooper pairs it with classic&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/menswear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">menswear</a>&nbsp;staples such as a crisp white t-shirt and chinos, under a stylish fall-ready overcoat. During the film, he checks the Tambour frequently on his way to the Musee du Orsay museum.



<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="Bradley Cooper for the New Tambour Watch | LOUIS VUITTON" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ioFNvz_Ky5Y?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



 Inside, the timepiece is powered by LV’s exclusive new LFT023 calibre. The automatic movement runs at a frequency of 28,000 vph, allowing for a 50-hour power reserve. It includes a 22-karat rose gold micro-rotor, as well as a certified chronometer. And If you like to witness the horological magic for yourself, you can see its inner workings through the watch’s open caseback.&nbsp; A stainless-steel bracelet completes the piece, featuring a three-blade folding buckle. Text reading “<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/louis-vuitton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Vuitton</a>&nbsp;Paris, Fab. En Suisse” appears at 6 o’clock. Other subtle details: Louis Vuitton is spelled out around the bezel and the iconic “LV” logo appears atop the crown.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LV_Tambour1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779704" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LV_Tambour1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LV_Tambour1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LV_Tambour1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Louis Vuitton Tambour Courtesy of Louis Vuitton</figcaption></figure>



Cooper, who’s gaining buzz around his forthcoming Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro, became Vuitton’s first dedicated brand ambassador for watches in September 2022. His appointment marked the watchmaker’s 20th anniversary, and was&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://wwd.com/accessories-news/watches/bradley-cooper-louis-vuitton-watch-campaign-tambour-maestro-1235773023/" target="_blank">reportedly</a>&nbsp;the first major initiative taken up by Jean Arnault, the brand’s director of watchmaking marketing and development. The 48-year-old actor is also seen wearing the new Tambour watch in series of moody portraits lensed by Mario Sorrenti for the new campaign.&nbsp;



The Tambour retails for US$18,500 (HK$145,045) at&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/tambour-automatic-40mm-steel-nvprod4540024v/W1ST10" target="_blank">Louis Vuitton</a>.

Bradley Cooper Wears Louis Vuitton’s Sleek New Tambour Watch in Paris in a Short Film

Breguet’s&nbsp;new Classique Répétition Minutes 7637 has arrived on our shores with elegant ease,&nbsp;cloaked in a black&nbsp;grand feu&nbsp;enamel dial with Arabic numerals and a secret signature.&nbsp;



What’s not a secret is the remarkable craft and technical expertise that Breguet brings to the table, especially to the Classique Répétition Minutes 7637. In a world of over-the-top, jewel-studded glamour, the new timepiece presents a sedated respite to luxury watches. Dressed in all black with rose gold accents, it’s a nod to Swiss-French watchmaker and company founder Abraham-Louis Breguet’s adept abilities and aesthetic vision to create handcrafted instruments of impeccable and—pardon the pun—timeless quality.



An invention brought about by necessity, the minute repeater stands out in watchmaking history as one of the most remarkable complications. Before the widespread use of electricity, there was a primordial need for a timepiece that could easily tell the time at night when visibility was low. With the invention of the first minute repeater watch in 1680, it set the precedent; finally, a device that could chime the hours and sound the quarters and minutes. Breguet, who harboured a passion for constant improvement, quickly developed his interest in the mechanism into a lifelong pursuit for constant, methodical improvement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01_7637_MAKINGOF_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14199-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779542" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01_7637_MAKINGOF_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14199-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01_7637_MAKINGOF_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14199-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01_7637_MAKINGOF_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14199-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01_7637_MAKINGOF_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14199-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01_7637_MAKINGOF_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14199-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



With the new Classique Répétition Minutes 7637, the brand pays tribute to a facet first created 240 years ago in 1783, when the founder invented the first repeating watches using a gong-spring. It also had the added benefit of reducing the thickness of such timepieces.&nbsp;



In addition to the movement, a sense of modality became imperative as the chiming mechanism had to have impeccable acoustic qualities. An in-house acoustician, with the innate ability to comprehend the musicality of perfect sound, has to tune the gong in two phases: harmonic and melodic. As to how the detailed work is done, the literature in&nbsp;Breguet, Watchmakers Since 1775: The Life and Legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet&nbsp;puts it best:&nbsp;“Inside an anechoic chamber specially dedicated to this horological complication, the specialist will first seek to ascertain the resonant frequency of each gong. Once this note has been determined, further work is carried out to find the melody most closely resembling Breguet’s signature sound. As each timepiece is hand-crafted, the acoustics differ subtly from one watch to another, making this complication even more unique.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/12_7637_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14180-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779541" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/12_7637_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14180-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/12_7637_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14180-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/12_7637_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14180-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/12_7637_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14180-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/12_7637_RET_RS_resolution__72_dpi___JPG__14180-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



On the dial, the&nbsp;grand feu&nbsp;enamelling technique adds an elegant sheen, creating the classic, minimalist “dress watch” look. Few artisans can replicate this craft; just to get the desired shade and hue, it can take several weeks to produce a single dial. An alligator leather strap with a gold triple-blade folding clasp holds the rose-gold case together. Look past the dial to the back of the watch to see the real masterpiece—an intricately decorated hand-wound calibre 567.2 movement, with gongs crafted from gold to match the case.



Breguet’s new Classique Répétition Minutes 7637 is available now for HK$1,925,100.



All images courtesy of Breguet.

Breguet

luxury watch

Breguet’s New Classique Répétition Minutes 7637 Is an Elegant Tribute to Its Founder 

As past luxury timepiece columns have revealed time and again, rare, collectible, more-often-than-not Swiss watches go under the hammer all the time in noted auction houses and on sale in notable stores. Staggering rates for vintage pieces are the norm; we barely raise an eyebrow when heirloom pieces are up for grabs after “death, divorce, and debt” (as&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/macklowe-collection-auction-part-two-1234673867/" target="_blank">Ted Loos so succinctly&nbsp;wrote</a>&nbsp;in last year’s column about the auction market’s primary suppliers).&nbsp;Well, when it’s not the “three Ds,” nor an ancient relic from the alpine lands of horological excellence, we thought we should take a closer look at this lot.



Lads and ladies, Wristcheck has entered the chat.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hero_RS-watch_035_RS-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780125" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hero_RS-watch_035_RS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hero_RS-watch_035_RS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hero_RS-watch_035_RS-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hero_RS-watch_035_RS-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hero_RS-watch_035_RS-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Hong Kong’s very own global watch platform—run with great precision by the young guns Austen Chu and Sean Wong—is offering a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for watch collectors worldwide to bid on a collector’s gem: a rare iteration of the Roger W. Smith Series 2 Open Dial Watch, housed in a prototype 40 mm white-gold case. It’s a masterpiece by the British watchmaker that’s going for HK$8.9 million (US$1.15 million).&nbsp;



“Over the past 100 years or so, obviously, Switzerland has dominated watchmaking. But a lot of the most important complications were invented by British watchmakers because watchmaking kind of originated in the UK,” Chu tells&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;when we asked why British entities are so rare in the market here.&nbsp;



“Back then, it was primarily based off of pocket watches; then, it eventually shifted to Switzerland. But if you look at British watchmaking versus Swiss watchmaking, there’s a lot of differences in the finishing. In British watchmaking, they use frosting on the movements, which is very different to Switzerland, where they normally use&nbsp;côtes de Genève&nbsp;finishing. The aesthetic is also slightly different.”



British watchmakers of note include Bremont, Arnold &amp; Son, and George Daniels, but as Chu illuminates, there are others to keep in mind. “Many brands, all at different price points, have emerged from the UK and they have been doing fantastic things—brands such as Christopher Ward, Studio Underd0g, and obviously Roger W. Smith.”&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_238_RS-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780121" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_238_RS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_238_RS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_238_RS-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_238_RS-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_238_RS-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



“This Series 2 Open Dial watch in white gold is particularly important to me, being the first of my Open Dial watches to be housed in a 40 mm case,” says Roger W. Smith. “Of note is the fact that the watch has the first of my evolutions of the co-axial escapement. This ‘Mark 1’ escapement represents one of the milestones in my quest to continue improving on George Daniels’s original concept. There are only 10 of my Open Dials in existence with this particular escapement, and one of the gratifying aspects of watches, such as this one being made available again, is to have the chance to experience it once again. It brings back many special memories.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_488_RS-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780122" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_488_RS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_488_RS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_488_RS-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_488_RS-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RS-watch_488_RS-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As the meticulously shot images of the watch’s skeleton reveal, Smith is known for his exceptional craftsmanship, making his limited-edition timepieces hugely sought after among notable collectors the world over. As the literature on the watch reads, “the timepiece houses a meticulously hand-finished, hand-wound mechanical movement; the largest single-wheel version for the Daniels co-axial escapement with a free-sprung Quadrajust balance, beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour. The first in white gold, one of only two watches featuring its unique style of minute chapter and one of five white gold Open Dials with Mark 1 movements, the 02-OD was delivered in 2010 and continues to hold great important in the annals of horological history.”



Conferred with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018, in recognition of his contributions to the horological industry, Smith is in the high ranks of fellow independent watchmakers of note, names that include the likes of Kari Voutilainen, Romain Gauthier, and Ludovic Ballouard, who create extraordinary timepieces of immense technical prowess bolstered with a great aesthetic appeal.&nbsp;



At HK$8.9 million, this watch seems a steal, as earlier this year,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/phillips-christies-spring-2023-watch-auctions-1234854695/" target="_blank">Smith’s Pocket Watch Number Two set a world record</a>&nbsp;at a Phillips auction, achieving HK$38.3 million.



Now why would someone choose to willingly part with such a rare object? According to the watch’s previous owner, Phillip Pon, who held on to the timepiece for nearly 13 years, he is hoping to entrust it to a fellow collector who will appreciate it as he has. The watch was personally crafted and offered to the aficionado, who had confessed to the British watchmaker at a dinner that he had always wished to procure an original Roger W. Smith watch. Smith himself went on to entrust Pon with a unique dial, handcrafted and handed over in person. With this sale, the tradition lives on.



“I am thrilled to entrust Wristcheck with the sale of my Roger W. Smith Series 2 Open Dial Watch. This watch has always been my grail—and after over a decade of cherishing it, it brings me great joy to share it with another passionate enthusiast who will truly appreciate it for the horological marvel that it is,” says Pon, passing on the torch.



Pon is of the belief, as many famed collectors often are, that objects of such great beauty and rarity isn’t “owned” by someone, but all are temporary custodians who must, in due course, pass it on. The question now is, whose hands will this unique timepiece fall into?



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://wristcheck.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://wristcheck.com" target="_blank">Wristcheck.com</a>



On sale: HK$HK$8,970,000 &nbsp;



Interested parties may enquire from 5–22 September 2023.&nbsp;



All images courtesy of Wristcheck.

A Unique Roger W. Smith Series 2 Open Dial Watch Is Up For Sale Starting From HK$8.9 Million

Coco Gauff’s taste in watches is nearly as impressive as her skill on the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tennis/">tennis</a>&nbsp;court.



The American 19-year-old won her first career Grand Slam on Saturday in New York, beating Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open women’s singles final. And, as soon as the victory was complete, tennis’s next big star removed a sweatband from her left wrist and replaced it with a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-new-watches-1234823261/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex Oyster Perpetual</a>.



Gauff looked as stylish as ever during Saturday’s match, easily the biggest of her career up until this point. The player, who is sponsored by New Balance, wore a maroon version of one of the brand’s tennis outfits, contrasting neon green sweatbands and a color-matching pair of her signature sneaker, the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.newbalance.com/pd/coco-cg1/UCHCOCO1-42675.html" target="_blank">CG1</a>. But it was the final element of the ensemble that really took things to a championship level.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cocogauf02.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780057" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cocogauf02.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cocogauf02.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cocogauf02.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/">Rolex</a>&nbsp;Oyster Perpetual Ref. 116000 WatchFinder &amp; Co.</figcaption></figure>



Gauff’s Oyster Perpetual Ref. 116000, powered by the 3000 series movement, served as a fitting Crown for her feat. After all, she toppled the current top-ranked women’s tennis player in the world, in three sets. The elegant timepiece, which is likely the 36mm version (it’s also available with a 34mm or 39mm stainless-steel case), features a grape dial that matched her outfit. It’s also a hue that hasn’t been available since last decade.



So, how did the young tennis star get her hands on a discontinued model? She&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://newsroom.rolex.com/world-of-rolex/rolex-and-sports/rolex-and-tennis/us-open/us-open-2023" target="_blank">is one of the watchmaker’s testimonees</a>, which likely comes with some perks. You don’t have to be part of the Rolex family to gain access to the watch, though. It can also be found from second-hand retailers, like&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.watchfinder.com/Rolex/Oyster+Perpetual/116000/27783/item/245091?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9fqnBhDSARIsAHlcQYQRRYCuC6HhgIrdJ1WX-rxoPv5X6qxP-j-Lt40QJQmicL87fTeHFpkaApkoEALw_wcB" target="_blank">WatchFinder &amp; Co.,</a>&nbsp;for around US$7,500 (HK$58,700), though it wouldn’t be a shock if prices start to rise after the weekend.



Gauff is the second young tennis sensation to show off a Rolex after winning the U.S. Open in as many years. Last year’s men’s winner, Carlos Alcaraz,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/carlos-alcaraz-us-open-rolex-daytona-1234747451/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wore an “Oystersteel” Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500LN</a>&nbsp;while hoisting the trophy. The Spaniard, who was also 19 when he won his first Grand Slam in New York, is another Rolex testimonee. This year’s men’s winner, Novac Djokovic, is sponsored by Hublot, and he&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/watch-spotting-coco-gauff-us-open" target="_blank">opted for the brand’s Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic</a>&nbsp;while celebrating his record 24th single’s Grand Slam.

Coco Gauff

Discontinued Rolex

Rolex

Rolex Red Grape

Coco Gauff Won the U.S. Open, but the Real Crown Is Her Discontinued Rolex ‘Red Grape’

Two watch-world stars have joined forces to bring collectors a curated trove of vintage wrist candy.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://dimepiece.co/" target="_blank">Dimepiece</a>, the New York-based watch influencer established in 2020 by former Sotheby’s staffer Brynn Wallner, has selected 30 prized pre-owned pieces that will be up for grabs via <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://london.doverstreetmarket.com/" target="_blank">Dover Street Market</a> starting on Friday. Each rarity was carefully vetted and authenticated by trusted watch dealer <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://foundwell.com/" target="_blank">Foundwell</a>, so you know they’re up to snuff. The lineup includes highly collectible examples from <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cartier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cartier</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/patek-philippe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patek Philippe</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audemars-piguet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audemars Piguet</a>, and other venerable watchmakers. Some models have even been discontinued, adding to the exclusivity.



Leading the charge is a 28 mm Patek Philippe Aquanaut. Launched in 1997, the Aquanaut is often referred to as the “little brother” of the wildly popular Nautilus. It’s distinguished by a modern rounded-octagon case and a checkboard dial. It’s also equipped with a “tropical” strap made from a new composite material that is ultra-resistant to wear, saltwater, and UV rays. Stylish yet sporty, the Aquanaut is “a true child of the 1990s,” Wallner says. Reference 4960 was released in 1998 and then discontinued in 2007. Such a short production run makes the model especially coveted among collectors.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PlatinumRolexDay_Date.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779945" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PlatinumRolexDay_Date.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PlatinumRolexDay_Date.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PlatinumRolexDay_Date.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. Dimepiece</figcaption></figure>



Another standout is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date finished in solid platinum. The “President” was one of the priciest watches in the Crown’s catalog when released back in 2000. This particular iced-out example is rare, with diamonds adorning the dial, bezel, and lugs. This watch cost more than US$70,000 (H$548,142) new and was not an easy model to find, according to Wallner. It commands a pretty price on the secondary market, too, with a custom white-gold example from 1984 recently selling for more than US$1.3 million (HK$10.18 million) at auction.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TwoToneAPRoyalOak.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779946" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TwoToneAPRoyalOak.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TwoToneAPRoyalOak.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TwoToneAPRoyalOak.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Dimepiece</figcaption></figure>



The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has been continuously reinvented over the past half-century. The mid-sized example on offer—which has been phased out, sadly—has an elegant two-tone colorway of stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold. In addition, the gray dial showcases AP’s classic petite tapisserie motif. The AP logo is cut from white gold and pinned to the dial at 12 o’clock, while the word “quartz” sits above 6 o’clock as a nod to the movement.



Other highlights include a mini white gold Cartier Baignoire, another Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, this one encrusted with diamonds and emeralds, and an 18-karat white gold Vacheron Constantin bracelet watch.



The 30 select watches will be available via <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/dover-street-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dover Street Market</a>’s e-shop and its New York and Los Angeles boutiques from September 8.

Dimepiece

Vintage watches

Watches

Dimepiece and Foundwell Team Up to Curate 30 Vintage Watches for Dover Street Market

There’s a technical finesse and imperative functionality to the latest Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 Black Aces from the storied IWC Schaffhausen that’s worth a second look. Perhaps even a third. Wear it in a low-light setting and you’ll spot the remarkable feature immediately: a fully luminous white dial—consisting of a Super-LumiNova ceramic disc—that emits a bright light in a photosensitive soft green hue, ideal for night-time visibility.



Developed in collaboration with pilots from the “Black Aces,” a pilot squadron based in California, the dial came about after innumerable dark chamber tests where the durable material was shown to emit light for more than 23 hours. The matte-black colour of the zirconium oxide ceramic case doesn’t reflect sunlight, providing no distractions to flying pilots. For another nod to the fine men and women in the crew, the case back of lightweight titanium is engraved with the “Black Aces” twin-engine jet against a backdrop of spades.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilots-Watch-RS_Black-Aces-IW326905-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779771" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilots-Watch-RS_Black-Aces-IW326905-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilots-Watch-RS_Black-Aces-IW326905-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilots-Watch-RS_Black-Aces-IW326905-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilots-Watch-RS_Black-Aces-IW326905-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilots-Watch-RS_Black-Aces-IW326905-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Powered by the 32100 calibre automatic movement manufactured by IWC with a power reserve of 72 hours, It’s a watch for the jet-setter, as much as for those in command of a jet.



For decades, IWC has been the purview of pilots as the brand has repeatedly shown its prowess in developing functional instruments for cockpits for over 85 years. Its timepieces are a preferred choice among pilots. In 1936, IWC debuted its first Special Pilot’s watch—the Ref. 436, known as the Mark IX. Since then, with technological modernisation and material improvement with science, access, and time, the brand has grown exponentially, well-respected, liked, and bought the world over. At its centre, the engineers have never reverted from its foundational ethos: to create a flawless watch for pilots.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IWC_IW326905_Mood_1_RS-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779772" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IWC_IW326905_Mood_1_RS-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IWC_IW326905_Mood_1_RS-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IWC_IW326905_Mood_1_RS-768x1153.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IWC_IW326905_Mood_1_RS-1023x1536.jpg 1023w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IWC_IW326905_Mood_1_RS-1364x2048.jpg 1364w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IWC_IW326905_Mood_1_RS.jpg 1599w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure>



Interestingly, it’s a two-way dialogue. Many pilots rely on IWC, and the brand, in equal measure, depends on its conversations with working pilots, cognisant of their needs and requirements as they navigate the skies when visibility can be nebulous. Precision and faultless accuracy of all the instruments on hand is not just a luxury, but a necessity.



IWC develops highly specialised timepieces for fast jet pilots within its Professional Pilot’s Watches Programme. Be it in real or reel life, ace pilots select IWC watches: In last year’s blockbuster&nbsp;Top Gun: Maverick<a>,</a> three of the elite fighter pilots are shown wearing IWC watches. IWC is worn by Navy pilots in the real world too, reflecting the symbiotic relationship between the profession and the iconic watch company.&nbsp;



IWC’s new fully luminous Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 Black Aces is available exclusively online at <a href="https://www.iwc.com/us/en/home.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.iwc.com/us/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iwc.com</a> and retails for HK$53,200. All images courtesy of IWC.

IWC Schaffhausen

Pilot watch

IWC’s New Fully Luminous Pilot’s Watch Just Landed in Hong Kong

<a href="https://gillschmiddesign.com/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Gill Schmid Design</a>’s latest expedition yacht&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/concept/">concept</a>&nbsp;was developed specifically for 007 obsessives.



Christened Synesthesia, the 213-foot newcomer is sturdy enough that it can tackle all manner of missions on the high seas but also doesn’t skimp on lavish amenities.



“We are looking at an owner who likes the James Bond lifestyle, always seeking adventures at the highest level of comfort and luxury,” the New York-based studio said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_2.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779509" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_2.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The vessel can accommodate a full fleet of toys, naturally.</figcaption></figure>



Synesthesia’s hardwearing steel hull is topped by a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque superstructure with enough structural integrity that it can create a vast column-free interior. The vessel is brimming with nifty architectural features that will appeal to any gadget-obsessed M16 agents, too. For starters, the glazing within is completely retractable, with sliding doors and rotating glass elements that create a flowing open-plan layout and link the interior with the exterior.



The yacht is also equipped with a number of secret pop-up platforms and terraces. The touch-and-go helipad can be lifted up to create a striking party space, for example. A chopper isn’t the only thing you can store onboard, either. The tender garage is capable of stowing a 33-foot limousine tender, a 33-foot RIB, and four Jet Skis. There is also a drone store on the main deck for tech-savvy spies.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_10.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779510" style="width:647px" width="647" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_10.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_10.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_10.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The interior is centered around a spacious main salon. Gill Schmid Design</figcaption></figure>



The living quarters center around a light and airy main salon and dining room that are geared toward entertaining. There is also an alfresco dining area on the bridge deck with a glass floor that overlooks the infinity pool and pool lounge below. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-vesper-recipe-james-bond-gin-vodka-lillet-cocktail-1234590349/" target="_blank">Vesper Martinis</a>—shaken, not stirred, of course. You can sleep it off in a lavish full-beam owner’s suite, while your fellow agents can retire to one of six spacious guest cabins. The yacht also offers accommodation for up to 17 crew (or henchmen).



Another spot that is ripe for Vespers is the sundeck. The breezy, open-air oasis is home to a large alfresco dining space, loungers, and an infinity Jacuzzi. All that’s missing is a femme fatale.



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/gill-schmid-designs-synaesthesia-expedition-yacht-concept-1234887695/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to see all the photos of Synaesthesia.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_15.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779511" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_15.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_15.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSD_Synesthesia_15.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gill Schmid Design</figcaption></figure>

Gill Schmid Design

James Bond

Superyacht

Synesthesia

This Tech-Savvy New 213-Foot Expedition Yacht Has More Tricks Than a Bond Car

Giorgio Armani’s yacht in build, known only as “Project Metamorphosis,” is a 236-foot-long vessel currently under build at Admiral’s Marina di Carrara facilities. The third and largest superyacht owned by the famed Italian designer, Metamorphosis will differ from Armani’s other yachts with its ice-class hull, 6,000-mile range and touch-and-go helipad. The renderings of the exterior convey a hardy, world traveler.



At the same time, the interior is Armani’s own creation, defined by its open spaces, large social areas and massive owner’s deck. And, of course, decor by Armani Casa.



Whatever the yacht is eventually called, it promises to be one of the most noteworthy superyacht debuts when it launches in 2024.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-1.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777290" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-1.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-1.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-1.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-1.jpg-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-1.jpg-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



Measuring 236 feet, the profile is defined by smooth surfaces, large social areas, an extended forefoot and lots of glass.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-2.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777291" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-2.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-2.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-2.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-2.jpg-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-2.jpg-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



Armani mandated large social areas to distinguish the yacht from its peers, including this open upper deck with bar, and a counter-flow swimming pool.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-3.jpg-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777292" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-3.jpg-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-3.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-3.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-3.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-3.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>Another view of the top deck, which leads into a dining area beneath the hardtop.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-4.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777293" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-4.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-4.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-4.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-4.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-4.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>This 1,000-sq.ft. open social area at the stern is unusual for a yacht this size.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-5.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777294" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-5.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-5.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-5.jpg-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-5.jpg-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-5.jpg-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



The main salon will be designed using Armani Casa furnishings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-6.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777295" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-6.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-6.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-6.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-6.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-6.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>Another view of the main salon.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-7.jpg-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777296" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-7.jpg-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-7.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-7.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-7.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-7.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>The private salon on the owner’s deck.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-8.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777297" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-8.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-8.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-8.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>The owner&#8217;s deck conveys the open, minimalist elegance of the rest of the interior.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-9.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777298" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-9.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-9.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-9.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-9.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-9.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>The fine woodwork on this lounge was also designed to be practical, with built-in drawers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="671" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-10.jpg-1024x671.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777299" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-10.jpg-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-10.jpg-300x197.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-10.jpg-768x503.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-10.jpg-1536x1007.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-10.jpg-2048x1342.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



The owner’s bedroom features a window to the sea that enhances the open space.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-11.jpg-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777300" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-11.jpg-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-11.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-11.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-11.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-11.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>Even the guest stateroom offers exceptional views of the ocean. The yacht will have a total of six staterooms.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-12.jpg-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777301" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-12.jpg-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-12.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-12.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-12.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-12.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>More minimalism in the gym.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-13.jpg-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777302" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-13.jpg-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-13.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-13.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-13.jpg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ga-yacht-13.jpg-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Courtesy Admiral Yachts</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/"></a>

project metamorphosis

project metamorphosis giorgio armnai

superyacht designs

Yachts

Giorgio Armani’s ‘Project Metamorphosis’ Superyacht in Photos

Ever wanted to sail the Galápagos Islands like a royal?&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/quasar-expeditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quasar Expeditions</a>&nbsp;can help. The boutique cruise line revamped Princess Grace Kelly’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/sail-galapagos-grace-kellys-historic-honeymoon-yacht-eg18-2786475/" target="_blank">historic honeymoon yacht</a>&nbsp;earlier this year to ready it for expeditions in the famous archipelago.



The 147-footer, originally built by Camper and Nicholsons, was gifted to the American actress and Prince Rainier III by Aristotle Onassis for their wedding in 1956. The honeymooners took the elegant vessel along the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia before eventually parting with it in 1958. Fast forward to 2007, Quasar Expeditions landed the yacht and christened it&nbsp;Grace. The team has carried out renovation work before, but this was quite a&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.quasarex.com/blog/the-grace-yacht-newly-remodeled-ready-for-adventure" target="_blank">significant refit</a>.



<a href="https://www.enriqueconcha.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enrique Concha &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;overhauled the eight en suite staterooms, the existing bar and the kitchen. The updated decor is contemporary yet cozy, with warm wood details balancing the more modern furnishings. There are innovative new tech touches throughout, too, like lighting that instantly adjusts to match your mood and additional USB ports and plugs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht4.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780242" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht4.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Jacuzzi.Quasar Expeditions</figcaption></figure>



The Chilean design firm also added a new coffee lounge for caffeine hits and a new boutique with clothing curated by fashion experts.&nbsp;Grace’s menu was even reinvented to take the gastronomic experience up a notch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780243" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bar.Quasar Expeditions</figcaption></figure>



Outside, meanwhile, the expanded deck will give guests a full view of the wildlife, such as dolphins, whales, manta rays and sea lions. You might even spot rare birds such as the Galápagos’s famed blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls.



Beyond aesthetics,&nbsp;Grace’s propulsion was upgraded. With new engines, generators, stabilizers and propellors, the yacht is smoother, quieter and more efficient. She can now hit a maximum speed of 15 knots—not that you’re in a hurry, of course.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht2.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234780244" style="width:650px" width="650" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht2.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GraceYacht2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The alfresco dining area.Quasar Expeditions</figcaption></figure>



Grace&nbsp;sleeps 18 and operates exclusively in the Galápagos. She offers three different itineraries inspired by Darwin’s adventurers: two eight-day voyages and one 15-day trip. Rates start at US$8,500 (HK$66,498) per person and you can book online.&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;is also available for charter, though it will set you back six figures for the week. You can contact&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.quasarex.com/" target="_blank">Quasar Expeditions</a>&nbsp;directly for more information.

Grace Kelly

Yacht

Grace Kelly’s 147-Foot Honeymoon Superyacht Got a Luxe Makeover. Here’s a Look Inside.

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.centrostiledesign.it/" target="_blank">Centrostiledesign</a>’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/">superyacht</a>&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/concept/" target="_blank">concept</a>&nbsp;is straight fire.



Fittingly christened Flame, the 230-footer features sleek, angular lines and a sharp, tapered bow that evokes an arrowhead. In addition, the vessel is equipped with custom solar panels that are arranged in the shape of a flame. The exterior is certainly striking, but the design is about more than aesthetics. The solar panels will be able to generate clean, green energy to power the yacht’s hotel load, for instance.



“As well as giving a particular play of light and catching the eye of the most attentive, the panels will absorb the energy needed to keep the boat ‘clean’, powering the utilities onboard and making itself useful in some stretches of maneuvering and navigation,” the Italian studio said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept6-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779917" style="width:648px" width="648" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept6-2.jpg 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept6-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept6-2-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The aft deck. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/tag/centrostiledesign/" target="_blank">Centrostiledesign</a></figcaption></figure>



Flame’s interior mirrors her clean, modern exterior. The sprawling, open-plan living quarters are spread across multiple levels and have been designed to bring the outdoor world in. Expansive windows run along each side to ensure uninterrupted views and plenty of natural light. Outside, the multi-purpose aft deck can be used for a range of activities, from open-air soirees to sunbathing. The also appears to be a pool at the center if you want to get your hair wet. At the opposite end, the foredeck is fitted with a helipad that can facilitate comings and goings.&nbsp;



“From the very first sketches, Flame has been perceived with the intention to give up to easy compromises between space and form,” the studio adds. “She allows for clean and decisive lines to flow freely from the bow to the stern volume, where the living areas of this yacht are concentrated.”



Centrostiledesign quite likes to push the envelope with its superyacht concepts. The Italian studio, which is helmed by noted yacht designer Davide Cipriani, has previously delivered a number of disruptive designs, such as a futuristic&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/future-e-electric-foiling-yacht-1234631351/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric foiling yacht</a>&nbsp;with the soul of a Formula 1 race car and the agility of a jet.



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/flame-superyacht-concept-1234892899/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to see all the photos of the Flame concept.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779918" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept.jpg 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Flame_Concept-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Centrostiledesign</figcaption></figure>

Centrostiledesign

yachting

This Fiery New 230-Foot Superyacht Concept Was Designed to Look Like a Giant Flame

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/crn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRN</a>’s latest fleet member shows what’s possible when a seafarer is steadfast in their vision.



The bespoke&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a>, known as Project Thunderball, was designed for a passionate sailor with a penchant for bluewater cruising. Featuring exterior lines and naval architecture by Vripack, the newcomer has the traditional elongated bow, low profile, and svelte silhouette of a sailing yacht. It will be delivered with a matching sailboat, too, which the owner can use for shorter day trips and adventures.&nbsp;



“This new yacht, with her classic, timeless line, has a striking sense of style that fully reflects the owner’s vision and requirements for a pleasure ship suited to long, pleasurable, contemplative cruises,” CRN said in a statement.&nbsp;



Crafted from a mix of steel and aluminum, the spacious superyacht spans five decks and has a generous interior volume of 1,100 GT. As such, there is ample space for entertaining onboard. The layout includes cabins for up to 12 guests and 15 crew, as well as numerous bars, lounges, and salons.&nbsp;



The stylish living quarters were brought to life by Nauta Design. The Italian studio also spearheaded the outdoor furniture. Expressing “a culture of the sea,” the decor combines charming heritage details with refined contemporary elements. You can also expect the very best “Made in Italy” craftsmanship that has become synonymous with CRN.&nbsp;



CRN didn’t provide any details regarding Thunderball’s propulsion but says the vessel will continue the shipyard’s sustainability commitment through the use of a peak shaving system to increase energy efficiency and slash fuel consumption. It will cruise in the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, Florida, and beyond, acting as a base for diving, sailing, and underwater fishing. CRN says the owner can expect highly efficient cruising and comfortable, convenient maneuvering.



Thunderball won’t be the only CRN cruiser hitting the seas in the near future, either. The Italian outfit is currently building three other custom vessels at Ferretti Group’s multi-brand yard in Ancona, including a 236-footer, a 220-footer, and a 279-footer. Stay tuned.

Project Thunderball

sailboat

This Sleek 230-Foot Custom Superyacht Comes With Its Own Matching Sailboat

Last August, Anthony Glasson of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.m51concepts.com/" target="_blank">M51 Concepts</a>&nbsp;unveiled a volcano-inspired explorer yacht called&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/volcano-inspired-superyacht-forge-1234737537/" target="_blank">Forge</a>. Now he has revealed a “less extreme” follow-up&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/concept/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concept</a>&nbsp;for more reserved seafarers.



Aptly christened Forge II, the 269-footer has the same angular silhouette as its predecessor but is a skosh more subdued. Penned inside and out by the Hong Kong studio, the vessel features an ice-class steel and a lightweight aluminum structure. The exterior is finished in subtle metallic grays rather than the obsidian black and bright orange that covered the original Forge.



Glasson, who spent more than a decade working as a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a>&nbsp;engineer before starting M51, says the main distinction between the two designs is the aft deck. Forge II forgoes a helipad and storage hangar in favor of a giant swimming pool that measures roughly 25 by 11 feet. (That’s about the size of a large one-car garage.)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/M51_Forge_Forge2_View03.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779645" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/M51_Forge_Forge2_View03.jpg.webp 999w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/M51_Forge_Forge2_View03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/M51_Forge_Forge2_View03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The swimming pool. M5 Concepts</figcaption></figure>



The main deck is also home to a semi-enclosed dining area and lounge that can be enjoyed in any season. Elsewhere outdoors, the sun deck is equipped with a hot tub, a BBQ, a bar, and day beds, while the bridge deck sports a more formal 14-person dining table.



Inside, the superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests across two VIP suites and four twin cabins. It can also sleep 25 or 23 crew depending on the configuration of the crew quarters. Having two VIPs rather than an owner’s suite makes Forge II particularly suited to charter. The VIPs are located on either side of the upper deck and feature expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows. The remaining guest cabins are located on the main deck.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_lounge1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779646" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_lounge1.jpg.webp 999w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_lounge1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_lounge1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The salon. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/m51-concepts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M51 Concepts</a></figcaption></figure>



In terms of decor, the living quarters have a traditional minimalist design, with a soft palette and an array of natural materials. Conversely, the cabins have a modern feel and pair dark surfaces with bright furnishings. Other highlights include a gym, spa, and fully stocked tender garage.



Glasson says Forge II would be powered by engines running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and batteries. He expects a go-anywhere range of 5,000 nautical miles.



“I set out to design a yacht with an imposing presence and a look that is meant to inspire a go-anywhere confidence,” Glasson said in a statement. “It ended up being quite an aggressive boat.”



Just imagine Forge III.



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/forge-ii-superyacht-concept-1234889738/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to see all the photos of Forge II.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_VIP3.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234779647" style="width:649px" width="649" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_VIP3.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_VIP3.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Forge2_VIP3.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>