Even though skin is the body’s largest organ, taking care of it is too often seen as a narcissism, a superficial cosmetic upkeep for the vain and the dandy. Here’s a truth bomb: it’s self-care at its purest form, all under the auspices of the epidermis, from protecting oneself against the elements to seeing the first signs of an internal misalignment and, of course, being the harbinger of ageing. Investing in our skin’s upkeep and care is essential on a primordial—nay, cellular—level.



Here’s where&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/la-prairie/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Prairie</a>’s raison d’être comes in, as the famed Swiss beauty brand has homed in on skincare for the past 90-plus years, long before it was fashionable among the famed and those burdened with great fortune. Back in 1931, at Clinique La Prairie, Dr Paul Niehans’s discovery of the significance of cellular therapy as an essential component of skincare was a game-changer, a key that “unlocked the secret of eternal youth,” as per the brand literature.



Each year, historically sceptical of brands that sell hope in a jar, the grooming editors of&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;investigate the science and significance of a range of skincare products—particularly the dearly priced ones—with a fine-tooth comb. La Prairie has consistently been among the top draws; its iconic&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/grooming/la-prairie-reformulated-skin-caviar-luxe-cream-1234890615/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skin Caviar Luxe Cream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/grooming/la-prairie-skin-caviar-nighttime-oil-1234638351/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/la-prairie-white-caviar-eye-extraordinaire-2902680/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White Caviar Eye Extraordinaire</a>&nbsp;are counted among a treasure trove of balms and salves, serums, and oils. La Prairie has offered skincare and elixirs, innovative care routines, and formulations from its native Switzerland to the visages of the most prominent denizens of the world.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234790600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Packshot_HKD15520_50ml_3-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790600" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Packshot_HKD15520_50ml_3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Packshot_HKD15520_50ml_3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Packshot_HKD15520_50ml_3-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Packshot_HKD15520_50ml_3-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Packshot_HKD15520_50ml_3.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="724" height="1024" data-id="1234790601" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Moodshot_HKD15520_50ml_6-1-724x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790601" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Moodshot_HKD15520_50ml_6-1-724x1024.jpg 724w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Moodshot_HKD15520_50ml_6-1-212x300.jpg 212w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Moodshot_HKD15520_50ml_6-1-768x1086.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Moodshot_HKD15520_50ml_6-1-1086x1536.jpg 1086w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Life-Matrix-Cream_Moodshot_HKD15520_50ml_6-1.jpg 1131w" sizes="(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px" /></figure>
</figure>



Adding to the formidable range, La Prairie introduces the futuristic <a href="https://www.laprairie.com/en-hk/life-matrix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream</a>. In close partnership with Swiss longevity clinic and wellness resort Clinique La Prairie, this is the latest arrow in the quiver that fights against time and age. Using “High Longevity Science,” the Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream has already shown incredible, visible results. For those expecting immediate results, user feedback reveals the skin instantly feels softer, smoother, and not as coarse or sun-damaged as it was pre-application. With steady use, suppleness and elasticity visibly return in fine form within two months. A certain luminescence appears and a smoother skin tone, devoid of blemishes, creates a palpable aura of wellness; the tired look—especially from around the eyes—dissipate dramatically.



“The ‘High Longevity Science’ of Life Matrix carves out a unique approach centred around cellular information modulation, enabling skin cells to behave like a more youthful version of themselves,” says Dr Daniel Stangl, La Prairie’s director of innovation. As the culmination of empirical research housed in a pristine diamond-cut jar, this rejuvenation cream is a happy marriage of science and technology, but the secret to eternal youth comes at a price.



Retailing at HK$15,520 (<a href="https://www.laprairie.com/en-us/skincare" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$1,950</a>) for a 50-millilitre tub, it’s not an insignificant investment in&#8230; yourself.



All images courtesy of La Prairie.

anti-ageing

cream

Grooming

La Prairie

Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream

Luxury

Premium

Skincare

La Prairie’s New HK$15,000 Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream is the Ultimate Anti-Ageing Innovation

<a href="https://panpuri.com/zh-hans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pañpuri</a>’s sensorial boutique is now open at K11 Musea, and for fans of divine aromas, it’s heaven-scent news. Within the Perfumist’s Chamber concept, a curated smorgasbord of aromatic vessels is in full view, with magical potions and elixirs studiously placed in jars and housed in spaces carved in the walls.



Within the blush of terracotta décor visible from afar, there is an exciting enterprise to engage in, as the store’s conceptualisation explores Pañpuri’s philosophy pillars: “the belief that physical, mental, and spiritual harmony is the true essence of wellness.”&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_HK_06-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791071" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_HK_06-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_HK_06-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_HK_06-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_HK_06-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_HK_06-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_HK_06.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This is not the first whiff of Pañpuri in Hong Kong—the lifestyle brand once circuitously made its way to Lane Crawford’s home décor wing in Pacific Place before dissipating from the shelves. Now, the wide range of lavishly packaged, irresistible scents, aromatic paraphernalia, and treasures is back.&nbsp;



Coming into their own at the flagship boutique, and elegantly displayed, Pañpuri’s lines are an ideal gift to others or to oneself. Among the perfumes, scented oils, lotions, and potions galore, you’ll find notes of sandalwood, white champaca, frangipani, ylang-ylang, and more natural healing treasures that ignite some senses and soothe others.&nbsp;



The bespoke sensorial bar is a standout feature as guests are invited to design their own signature scent under the watchful eye—or mindful nose, as the case may be—of Pañpuri specialists. A collection of 65 fragrances, including 25 rare notes sourced from around the world, are ripe for the picking.



The new opening also provides the chance to zone in on this season’s newly launched Heaven Moon osmanthus range, which is being released exclusively in Hong Kong.&nbsp;It is not a coincidence that the&nbsp;family of wears and tears—perfume oil, ambience diffuser, concentrated creams, candles, and the like—is being introduced to&nbsp;commemorate the brand’s K11 Musea launch. After all, osmanthus is a beloved traditional scent in Chinese lore. A combination of notes of osmanthus absolute—also revered in Thai culture—and vetiver, the range’s scent is evocative of the brand’s proclivity for dispersing refined, rarefied aromas that embrace a sense of harmony and delicate beauty.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_Still-Life-7-1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791073" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_Still-Life-7-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_Still-Life-7-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_Still-Life-7-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_Still-Life-7-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PANPURI_Still-Life-7-1.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



The brand name itself, Pañpuri, is a conjoined phrase borne from two words: “panna” (the Pali language word for “wisdom”) and “Puri” (a Hindu pilgrimage site). Hence the philosophical bent of the brand, which has homed in on the wisdom of the ages, and the purity it seeks while producing its mesmerising products. Hence as well, why each item comes with its own literature, an essential part of the holistic approach this lifestyle brand offers.



A confluence of Thai healing rituals and scientific knowledge, the sustainably sourced products are known for the nourishing features of their ingredients, rid of 2,300 questionable components banned from production. The absence of alcohol and harmful chemicals sets this aromatic brand apart from several others. For example, the Heaven Moon osmanthus extract perfume oil, aside from its expected scented benefits, is rich in nourishing and organic moringa seed oil that hydrates the skin. The Heaven Moon osmanthus hydrating glow satin oil mist has elements of grapeseed oil, Omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and squalane, providing radiance and a glowing finish. Choosing care over cosmetic promises that every drop feels like it is doing the body and skin some good.



It’s not easy putting into words the experience this perfumer’s chamber of secrets so lavishly offers, so we can only recommend you pay a visit to the brand’s new K11 Musea outpost.



Pañpuri Sensorial Boutique



Room B215A, B2/F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui



All images courtesy of Pañpuri.

k11 Musea

Pañpuri

Perfume

perfume oil

scented

Thai

Pañpuri Sensorial Boutique Opens in K11 Musea With Launch of Hong Kong-Exclusive Range

The numbers are in—according to reports from&nbsp;The&nbsp;Washington Post,&nbsp;Euromonitor International, and Circana, not only has the multi-billion-dollar behemoth that is the fragrance industry recorded an august two-figure growth in 2023 as new designer bottles drop and reimagined classic scents return to the shelves, but sales of the US$64.4 billion (HK$502.25 billion) global fragrance market have been on a steady incline this year, too.



The&nbsp;Post’s analysis of this boom points to fragrance as the fastest-growing category in the beauty sector, thanks to men and first-time buyers driving the rise in sales and revenue of brands the likes of Chanel, YSL, Dior, Le Labo, Jo Malone, and Tom Ford, to name a few.&nbsp;



Come September, the biggest names in the field—Jo Malone, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Chanel, and Valentino—will dispense their latest scents. In the meantime, taking top notes from the above-mentioned reports, we knocked on the doors of the most elite aromatic designers in the hopes of getting a whiff of what’s already in store this summer. From the classics (Tom Ford) to the fashionable (Dior and Versace) and the novel (Brunello Cucinelli ventures into scents for the first time), the following fragrances have us swooning.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brunello Cucinelli</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="726" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pack_Cucinelli-Insieme-726x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790129" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pack_Cucinelli-Insieme-726x1024.jpg 726w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pack_Cucinelli-Insieme-213x300.jpg 213w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pack_Cucinelli-Insieme-768x1084.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pack_Cucinelli-Insieme-1089x1536.jpg 1089w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pack_Cucinelli-Insieme.jpg 1134w" sizes="(max-width: 726px) 100vw, 726px" /></figure>



Just this past May, Brunello Cucinelli unveiled the Brunello Cucinelli Pour Femme and Brunello Cucinelli Pour Homme fragrances at a star-studded bash at Regent Hong Kong. Both scents were inspired by the Umbria region in Italy, with a touch of aromatic splendour and a wisp of quiet luxury. A new chapter in the story of the brand—the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/menswear/brunello-cucinelli-70th-birthday-celebration-italy-1234891575/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal and business successes</a>&nbsp;of Brunello Cucinelli were jointly celebrated just a few months ago—the men’s fragrance is a refined blend of angelica, black pepper, ginger, and sage, courtesy of a fruitful collaboration with French master perfumer Olivier Cresp.



Shop&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-hk/fragrances/mens-fragrances/?_gl=1*1po49qj*_up*MQ..&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiOy1BhDCARIsADGvQnCPA2WSXgogL-1rQTr2PoivNmlfU77uFBxAoN1aOKUeuuDFaa_rOWkaAjwrEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tom Ford</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="732" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/993364_NA_1__77683-732x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790159" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/993364_NA_1__77683-732x1024.jpg 732w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/993364_NA_1__77683-214x300.jpg 214w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/993364_NA_1__77683-768x1075.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/993364_NA_1__77683-1097x1536.jpg 1097w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/993364_NA_1__77683.jpg 1143w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></figure>



If the past decade is anything to go by—with the release of wallet-distilling perfumes like Bitter Peach, Lost Cherry, Velvet Orchid, and other magical potions with vivid titles—exceptional scents are to be expected from Tom Ford. As per an early report by JP Morgan, Tom Ford fragrances help to propel the brand to among the top 10 most prestigious in China based on sales, a huge part of the company’s achievements, and the latest drop can certainly only strengthen that sweet smell of success.&nbsp;



Released just seven months ago in the US, you can now find the latest unisex eau de parfum Vanilla Sex at Tom Ford Beauty in Hong Kong. Its top notes are vanilla tincture, vanilla absolute, floral notes, bitter almond, sandalwood, tonka bean absolute, and Ultravanil—the ingredients read like a baking recipe, which is why it is only fitting that the scent itself has a florid, almost pastry-like essence and resonance. Vanilla Sex is light, airy, and quite frankly, delicious.



Shop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tomfordbeauty.com/product/vanilla-sex-eau-de-parfum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;or at Lane Crawford&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lanecrawford.com.hk/product/tom-ford/vanilla-sex-eau-de-parfum-50ml/_/EHR876/product.lc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Dior-LCP-Summer-Eden-Roc-02_LR-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790246" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Dior-LCP-Summer-Eden-Roc-02_LR-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Dior-LCP-Summer-Eden-Roc-02_LR-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Dior-LCP-Summer-Eden-Roc-02_LR-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Dior-LCP-Summer-Eden-Roc-02_LR-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Dior-LCP-Summer-Eden-Roc-02_LR-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Fashion history repeatedly proves that when Dior does something, it does it right. Instead of confining itself to just one perfume, the La Collection Privée line&nbsp;features three fragrances to encapsulate the essence of summer. The limited-edition scents are housed in couture cases adorned with the Dioriviera 2024&nbsp;toile de Jouy&nbsp;motif: Dioriviera in emerald green, Eden-Roc in yellow, and a blood orange hue for the floral Jasmin des Anges.



To the jet-setting crowd, the unisex eau de parfum trio will ignite memories of the south of France, its scents vividly bringing back memories from the region—and its harmony of top notes are a reminder of Dior’s ideal of&nbsp;la dolce vita&nbsp;and celebration of the season. As Jasmin des Anges’s name suggests, the fragrance has the heady charisma of a jasmine bouquet, blended with apricot nectar and honey. Dioriviera’s dance between fig and rose has a more feminine mystique, while the Eden-Roc’s gentle sophistication is a tribute to the pleasure-indulging Cap Eden-Roc location, just south of Antibes on the Côte d’Azur.



Shop&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.dior.com.sg/collections/la-collection-privee-summer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Versace-Eros-Energy_3-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790125" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Versace-Eros-Energy_3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Versace-Eros-Energy_3-240x300.jpg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Versace-Eros-Energy_3-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Versace-Eros-Energy_3-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Versace-Eros-Energy_3.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



The latest adverts from Versace featuring actor Channing Tatum, returning to his roots as a model, have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kt48vT99u8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spread online</a> and on billboards across cities overnight, causing quite the media stir. As the eau de parfum for men, Eros Energy—part three of the existing Eros and Eros Flame family of fragrances—lands on our storied shelves, clips of Tatum chasing after an arrow as the star of the new Versace Eros campaign have gone viral.



Like in most perfume adverts, the storyboard is theatrical, with many flashes of striking visuals, overwrought masculinity, and a questionable respect of physics. But how’s the scent? Pretty good, in fact. Perfect for the season, the designer drop has soothing citrus top notes of blood orange, lime, grapefruit, lemon, Sicilian bergamot, and mandarin orange. Fit for olfactory seduction, the base notes are musk, patchouli, and oakmoss, while the middle notes are white amber, pink pepper, and blackcurrant. The yellow bottle is in line with Versace’s signature Greca and Medusa motifs with the crowning glory of a bronze-coloured cap reminding one that it’s a jewel to possess&nbsp;Eros Energy&nbsp;this sizzling season.&nbsp;



Coming soon. All images courtesy of their respective brands.

Aroma

Brunello Cucinelli

Colognes

Dior

latest releases

Perfumes

Perfumes 2024

Scents

Summer Scents

Tom Ford

4 Stellar Summer Scents, From Tom Ford and Brunello Cucinelli to Dior and Versace

One of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/dior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dior</a>’s most compelling scents has a new tailor-made bottle to match. 



The brand’s Sauvage Elixir <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/fragrance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fragrance</a> debuted in 2021 with notes of cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and liquorice. The original bottle has a sophisticated dark navy hue, housing a scent that’s ideal for the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/best-colognes-for-men-1234639022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">office</a>. The cologne is now being offered in 200 limited-edition crystal containers, made in collaboration with <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/baccarat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baccarat</a>.



The fragrance’s new 17 oz. bottle is the polar opposite of its predecessor with a clear, un-tinted exterior. Minimalist lines curve along its base and bottle cap, allowing the blue liquid to pop. Artisan glassmakers created a “perfect neck” for the bottle and a base that is curved but not overly thick. Next up, a master engraver refined the bottle to “illuminate its crystalline clarity and make it gleam,” according to the French fashion label. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785699" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat2.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two stages in the special edition Dior Sauvage Elixir design process. Image courtesy of Dior</figcaption></figure>



Engraving the lid results in three fine matte lines etched into the crystal for contrast against the bottle’s shine. The brand initials are featured in matte at top as well. Final touches to the special-edition bottles include buffing and polishing for maximum shine. Additionally, palladium metal is used to display the name Sauvage. The letters are applied with a brush and subtly mirrored by a fine line of palladium tracing around the lid. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785698" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat3.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dior_Baccarat3-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Other views of the bottle’s creation, including the fashion label’s CD initials being etched onto the lid. Image courtesy of Dior</figcaption></figure>



Once the crystal bottles are all set, they are added to a solid oak presentation box in black, creating an appealing contrast. The presentation box isn’t just a counterpoint, however; it also echoes the fragrance’s intense, woody scent. 



Of course, all that artisanal glasswork doesn’t come cheap. The new Dior Sauvage Elixir x Baccarat – Special Edition bottle will set you back US$8,200 HK$(64,160). For those undaunted by the prospect of paying four (or five) figures for a cologne, it’s available now on <a href="https://eco-beauty-sfra.dior.com/en_us/beauty/products/sauvage-elixir-x-baccarat---special-edition-Y0997145.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dior.com</a>.

Dior and Baccarat Team Up for a Limited-Edition Crystal Fragrance Bottle

Hermès

Prada

Versace

The Best in Style, From Brunello Cucinelli and Stefano Ricci to Louis Vuitton

You might be familiar with a trending meme on social media that makes anyone over a certain vintage smirk with reluctant agreeance: “I’m looking for a moisturiser that hides the fact that I’ve been tired since 2010.”&nbsp;



Pause for effect… I think I have found it.&nbsp;



Available for the first time in Asia, the acclaimed <a href="https://www.drburgener.com/vitamin-c-line" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Burgener medi-spa</a> line of Switzerland is exclusively on offer at the new&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/island-shangri-la-opens-yun-wellness-where-you-can-recover-and-rejuvenate-in-elegance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yun Wellness</a>&nbsp;at the Island Shangri-La. Offering a range of facials for both men and women, the carefully curated and faultless treatments feature the usage of products from the Dr Burgener line with “active ingredients such as peptides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid, as well as the best of Switzerland’s natural resources.” As per the literature—and my, what a comprehensive booklet it is—“Dr Burgener’s products encourage cell regeneration, collagen production, and the reduction of wrinkles, spots, and pigmentation.”



With pages of white coats, labs, and uniforms, and language and esoteric terminology riddled in the copy, I am forced to believe the science. Like its Korean and Japanese counterparts, Switzerland’s dedication to skin care (skin being the largest organ in the body and often neglected for superficial reasons) is beyond compare. On the menu, you’ll find a dozen facial treatments, including the promising Dr Burgener’s Lifting and Firming Collagen Facial, the indulgent Repairing Gold and Green Caviar Facial, and the Brightening AHA Facial. And then, there’s the bold type: Dr Burgener’s Million-Dollar Men’s Facial.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="697" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.47.06-AM-697x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777116" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.47.06-AM-697x1024.jpg 697w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.47.06-AM-204x300.jpg 204w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.47.06-AM-768x1128.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.47.06-AM-1046x1536.jpg 1046w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.47.06-AM-1394x2048.jpg 1394w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.47.06-AM.jpg 1634w" sizes="(max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Million-Dollar Men’s Facial at Yun Wellness </figcaption></figure>



A million-dollar facial—well, now. So reads the subscript, “Perfect for men’s skin, this facial is cleansing, healing, and oil-controlling. The application of white and grey clays deeply cleanses and aids in the absorption of oils and sebum. Hyaluronic acid-rich serums restore hydration and soothe irritation.”&nbsp;



In full confession and right of information, the treatment itself does&nbsp;not&nbsp;cost a million dollars (in fact, it is a perfectly reasonable HK$3,300 for a 90-minute experience) but you do end up feeling—if not looking—like a million bucks at the end of it.



Before the treatment, I had the pleasure of an exclusive chat with the good doctor about the need to heal original skin. “After the age of 40, men really should have a skin regiment and programme,” says Dr Pauline Burgener, who continues to shoulder the family business and legacy with elegant ease.&nbsp;



Dr Marc Burgener, a plastic surgeon, founded the company back in 1955. Pauline, his able daughter-in-law, obtained her PhD in Biology and used her advanced medical knowledge to develop, enhance, and globalise what is now the impeccable and coveted Dr Burgener Switzerland skincare brand. “Normally, men come to just relax at wellness centres, but men really need to self-invest in skincare. The skin is so important—it’s the first thing that you see on any person, especially in business. You need to look good and healthy—and that starts with your face,” she says.



There are machines and gadgets with software at the wellness centre that can study pigmentation and the amount of melanin in your skin to wisely and scientifically adjust the treatment programme to suit individual needs. We may all be born the same in the eyes of the law and lord, but sun damage affects skin very differently. While some tan, others burn; some have a natural mat of oil, others get freckles and spotted pigmentation. Sunscreen and a silent prayer are not enough. That’s when you need some “haute skincare,” as the Swiss brand has been labelled by some notable beauty editors. Like haute couture, the haute skin care is a personalised service crafted for the individual; they offer no blanket treatment for all and sundry.



“With our technology, we measure if you have enough melanin,” says the skin specialist, panning over my nasolabial folds (that cheek crease you get with age). “The software will calculate how much auto-protection you have with your melanin so, for example, if you are out for an hour in the sun in this region, how much SPF do you really need. Protection isn’t vanity; it’s avoiding damage to your cells and avoiding cancers when you expose yourself to the sun.”



Everyone has skin challenges of one kind or another; either hyperpigmentation or spot pigmentation, dehydration, or a sebum surplus, depending on gender, hormones, and how much you’re out in the sun. There are very few that walk the earth with perfect skin, a notable indicator of one’s overall health.&nbsp;



“The treatments that we are developing here is quite the same that we have in Europe, which is cleaning the skin first, peeling it gently, and leaving enough for it regenerate for a healthy glow and taut, protective epidermis,” assures Burgener.&nbsp;



People should really have a monthly treatment, ideally. The tools used at the centre are unique for “the ultimate personalised skin care experience,” using ultrasound and vibration “to separate the cells that are not quite connected. And this is the best way, not a very aggressive measure, to clean the cells and to push the regeneration of the new cells coming out,” the good doctor explains about the regiment on what this “million-dollar” facial entails. “Then a good massage to activate the circulation and then go through ultrasound regeneration of the skin. And then finally, the treatment always ends with a mask, and with a cream that is adapted to polish, hydrate, and heal your skin.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="721" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.46.18-AM_Rs-721x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777115" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.46.18-AM_Rs-721x1024.jpg 721w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.46.18-AM_Rs-211x300.jpg 211w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.46.18-AM_Rs-768x1090.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.46.18-AM_Rs-1082x1536.jpg 1082w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.46.18-AM_Rs-1443x2048.jpg 1443w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-07-at-9.46.18-AM_Rs.jpg 1691w" sizes="(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px" /></figure>



And this is where the green caviar comes in, used in the facial programme. Pray tell, what is green caviar?&nbsp;



“The green caviar is a caviar from Japan—Okinawa, in fact. We studied biologically why people there have such amazing health and good skin,” explains the doctor on the research and development the team has been doing for the past 60 years-plus in anti-ageing medicine. “We were studying zones worldwide, especially the ‘blue zones’ where people are living long, healthy lives up to age 100 or more. We looked at statistics and the global population and we were interested in why they are living so long and so well. Of course, it came down to lifestyle, because they are on an island, they are eating very well, and moving a lot as they have to fish. They were also eating this green algae, which is called green caviar because they are like small pearls. It is not from the fish but from algae and plankton. We extracted this caviar, we studied it in the lab, and we saw that it is repairing the damages of DNA with time and age.”&nbsp;



Enriched with&nbsp;Caulerpa lentillifera&nbsp;from Okinawa, this luxurious face cream features “two hyaluronic acids that work together to hydrate and form a protective film.” As the index at the back of the tube reads, “With a patented polyactive oily agent that wraps and protects your skin, this face cream will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.”&nbsp;



All the products from Dr Burgener Switzerland are a tier above the range that’s sold in mass markets globally. In fact, it is available at only few-and-far-between establishments on the planet, such as Six Senses, the Royal Savoy, the Royal Mansour, and in Hong Kong, but&nbsp;only&nbsp;at the Island Shangri-La—the range is haute to touch. To top it all off, replenishing stocks of the potions, lotions, cream, and “caviar” don’t come cheap. But what is the true cost of skincare and your health?



<a href="https://www.shangri-la.com/landing/isl-yunwellness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yun Wellness</a>



8/F, Island Shangri-La, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 2877 3838



All images courtesy of Island Shangri-La.

Robb Recommends: The Million-Dollar Facial at Yun Wellness that Uses Green Caviar from Okinawa 

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

delta

Delta airlines

Luxury Travel

Delta Is Pulling Out All the Stops to Woo Luxury Travellers

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

boeing starliner

starliner spacecraft return

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Beond

italy

jetsetting

luxury aircrafts

luxury leisure

Maldives

Milan

Luxury Airline Beond Is Now Flying Between Milan and the Maldives

Heart Aerospace is almost ready for takeoff.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Airplane

clean travel

electric aviation

Heart Aerospace

hybrid-electric airplane

Swedish

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

Chinese couture

couturier

Exhibition

Guo Pei

Haute Couture

Hong Kong exhibition

Met Gala outfit

red wedding gown

Rihanna

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Barolo

Giacomo Conterno

King of Wines

Roberto Conterno

vineyard

Wine

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Auction

Sotheby's

Sotheby's Hong Kong

Sotheby's New York

Stradivarius

Violin

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lewis Chester

wine producer

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

A striking <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/2023-jewelry-auctions-colored-diamonds-1235445783/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coloured-diamond ring</a> is the star of Christie’s upcoming <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/jewelry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jewellery</a> sale.



The 5.7-carat fancy intense blue diamond ring leads the auction house’s Magnificent Jewels auction with an estimate of US$6 million to US$8 million (HK$46.7 million to HK$62.2 million). Taking place live in New York on 10 December, the sale includes several coloured stones, along with white diamonds and private collections that span labels from Cartier to Van Cleef &amp; Arpels.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Harry-Winston-Earrings.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793564" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Harry-Winston-Earrings.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Harry-Winston-Earrings-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Harry-Winston-Earrings-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harry Winston spinel and diamond earrings. Image courtesy of Christie’s</figcaption></figure>



While the blue diamond may be the star of the show—and the most expensive item on offer—other lots provide something for every sort of jewellery collector. Other singular standouts include a 20.1-carat diamond ring (estimated at up to US$1.2 million/HK$9.34 million), a pair of Harry Winston spinel and diamond earrings (US$400,000 to US$600,000/HK$3.11 million to HK$4.67 million), and an Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring (US$300,000 to US$500,000/HK$2.33 million to HK$3.89 million).



The private collections, meanwhile, are a veritable treasure chest of jewels. From late designer and philanthropist Mica Ertegun comes a Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond brooch (US$100,000 to US$150,000/HK$778,445 to HK$1.16 million) and a rare JAR ruby and diamond torsade necklace (US$80,000 to US$120,000/HK$622,760 to HK$934,140). Elsewhere are pieces from an unnamed couple who became engaged just two weeks after meeting, leading to more than 50 years of marriage. The two were important clients of Van Cleef, and their collection features a number of pieces from that brand. A diamond Zip Couture Tirette necklace, inspired by Wallis Simpson, is expected to fetch up to US$350,000 (HK$2.72 million). Two Mystery Set bracelets could hammer down for US$180,000 (HK$1.4 million), and a Mystery Set bow necklace could achieve up to US$800,000 (HK$6.22 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ruby-and-Diamond-Necklace-Tiara.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793563" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ruby-and-Diamond-Necklace-Tiara.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ruby-and-Diamond-Necklace-Tiara-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ruby-and-Diamond-Necklace-Tiara-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Antique ruby and diamond necklace-tiara. Image courtesy of Christie’s</figcaption></figure>



Another anonymous collector put together a trove of jewels from the 18th century to the early 20th century. The nine pieces included are in prime condition, with many coming with their original or early retailer cases. One example—an antique ruby and diamond necklace-tiara—is expected to achieve US$100,000 to US$150,000 (HK$778,445 to HK$1.16 million). Or if you’d rather bid on something tied to a well-known name, Christie’s is offering a Van Cleef diamond and cultured pearl ribbon brooch that was once owned by Eva Perón.



Prior to the live auction, Christie’s will preview the lots from 6 to 9 December at its Rockefeller Center galleries. And an accompanying Jewels Online sale will take place from 3 to 12 December. But if you’re looking to add any of the aforementioned pieces to your collection, you better get your paddle ready.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/gallery/christies-magnificent-jewels-auction-photos-1235999828/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the images of the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction.

Cartier

Christie’s

Harry Winston

Van Cleef & Arpels

This 5.7-Carat Blue Diamond Ring Could Fetch a Cool HK$62.2 Million at Auction

Every day is a vacation at this hotel-branded residential community in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/costa-rica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Costa Rica</a>. The 2,300-acre Reserva Conchal in Guanacaste is known for its white-sand beaches and sustainable practices, and now, you can live right in the middle of the eco-friendly resort town at the <a href="https://wresidencescostarica.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W Residences Costa Rica</a>.



In 2022, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/w-hotels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W Hotels</a> announced the opening of its second outpost in Central America, and since then, the resort has added a collection of turnkey private homes for purchase, three of which are currently available.



The treehouse-style properties along the northern Pacific Coast were designed by renowned Costa Rican architect Ronald Zürcher, who was also commissioned to work on the hotel. Nestled within the tropical rainforest among swaying native Guanacaste trees, the villas feature private infinity pools with terraces that blend into the sprawling nature reserve.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.003.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793445" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.003.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.003-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.003-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The homes have airy great rooms that spill onto poolside terraces. Image courtesy of Reserva Conchal</figcaption></figure>



“Each house had a specific design in which we determined how many rooms it could have considering the condition of the topography to avoid obscuring the view to the house next to it, so we worked on a specific answer for each terrain,” Zürcher <a href="https://reservaconchal.com/w-residences-designing-for-coexistence-zurcher-interview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explained</a>. “Each house is unique—we can’t just grab a house with a helicopter and put it on the next lot because it wouldn’t work.” 



For buyers who prefer a rainforest view, Treehouse 1 and Treehouse 3 are listed for US$4.35 million (HK$33.8 million), and both comprise four bedrooms and four full bathrooms across two floors. If you’re set on an ocean-facing abode—and who could blame you!—the tri-level Treehouse 14 is available for US$5.45 million (HK$42.4 million) and sports four bedrooms, four full baths, a gym, a game room, an office, and a lift. In terms of the design, the airy interiors incorporate soaring high ceilings, oversized windows, and tons of natural materials like wood and stone.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="767" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.001.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793444" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.001.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.001-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/W-Residence.001-768x575.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elevated positioning allow for expansive views over the Pacific Ocean. Image courtesy of Reserva Conchal</figcaption></figure>



Reserva Conchal has an ongoing commitment to sustainability, and as a result, the entire community is powered by renewable energy. There’s also an on-site desalination plant that turns seawater into fresh water and a farming initiative that employs local women. 



Being part of a W Hotels resort, residents will have access to a slew of hotel-serviced amenities such as the Zona Azul Beach Club, an exclusive spa, and several on-site restaurants. Plus, a concierge is there to coordinate everything from grocery shopping to in-residence dining with a private chef and more.&nbsp;



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/w-residences-costa-rica-photos-1235987775/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of the W Residences Costa Rica.

Costa Rica

Reserva Conchal

W Residences

These Treehouse-Style Residences Are Perched Above the Costa Rican Jungle

We at Robb Report Hong Kong have made no secret about what “the Grande Dame of Hong Kong” means to us; <a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/the-peninsula/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peninsula Hong Kong</a> is as iconic as it can be. Since its opening in 1928, the hotel has epitomised luxury and elegance, continuously enchanting guests with its rich heritage, impeccable service, refined experience, and unparalleled hospitality that set such a high benchmark from the onset, all others are measured from its lofty ideal.



As the festive season approaches, the hotel invites guests and visitors to experience the holiday season that highlights the hotel’s commitment to creating unforgettable memories, blending time-honoured traditions with contemporary festivities.



The Peninsula Hong Kong commenced the festive season with “The Peninsula Express—Festive Extravaganza” on 21 November 2024, featuring a musical journey, a feast, and a tree-lighting ceremony. During this period, the first floor of the hotel is transformed into the Grand Salisbury Station, featuring a custom-built Peninsula Express train carriage. With its signature Peninsula Green exterior and richly appointed interior, this dining experience is designed to take guests on a journey through iconic Chinese destinations, inspired by The Peninsula hotels in Shanghai and Beijing. Reservations for this unique gastronomic experience can be made on a per-table basis, accommodating up to four guests. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gaddis-Festive-Menu-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794363" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gaddis-Festive-Menu-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gaddis-Festive-Menu-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gaddis-Festive-Menu-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gaddis-Festive-Menu-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gaddis-Festive-Menu-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gaddi’s.</figcaption></figure>



The feasting does not stop there. The Peninsula Hong Kong is offering an exquisite array of holiday dining experiences throughout the season. Among them, Gaddi’s, the&nbsp;&nbsp;Michelin-starred French restaurant, invites guests to enjoy a sophisticated dining experience amid elegant. Chef de cuisine Anne-Sophie Nicolas presents a selection of French haute cuisine specialities that pair well with the wine list.



For an equally delightful experience, Aurélie Altemaire, chef de cuisine of Felix has crafted a seasonal menu to celebrate the flavours of the holidays, complemented by creative cocktails. The combination of stunning vistas of Victoria Harbour and culinary excellence makes Felix a must-visit destination, whether to celebrate Christmas with loved ones or for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve countdown. 



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://video.wixstatic.com/video/86217e_3982f11e43ca4f128401664b7647aa47/1080p/mp4/file.mp4"></video></figure>



The festive offerings extend to The Lobby, where guests can indulge in the renowned Peninsula afternoon tea, enhanced with seasonal delicacies and live carol performances. In the spirit of the season, the hotel is proud to introduce the festive-themed Teas of Hope afternoon tea, in which a portion of the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish International, a non-profit organisation that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, providing them with hope and joy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chesa-Festive-Menu-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794362" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chesa-Festive-Menu-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chesa-Festive-Menu-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chesa-Festive-Menu-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chesa-Festive-Menu-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chesa-Festive-Menu-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chesa.</figcaption></figure>



An unmissable classic during the festive season is the culinary indulgence at Chesa, the hotel’s timeless Swiss restaurant. Evoking the atmosphere of a mountain chalet, Chesa’s iconic cheese fondue and raclette is the quintessential winter meal.



For those wishing to extend their stay, The Peninsula Hong Kong offers luxurious accommodations that promise magical holiday memories. Guests booking a two-night stay or more can enjoy daily breakfast, hotel credits for restaurants and spa, and priority dining reservations. Amid the festive bustle, guests can retreat to The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre for a moment of tranquillity. Exclusive seasonal treatments designed to relieve stress are on offer, accompanying by a complimentary gift for you to continue your pampering at home.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="786" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Star-Ferry-Afternoon-Tea-Sep-2024-3-1-786x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794365" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Star-Ferry-Afternoon-Tea-Sep-2024-3-1-786x1024.jpg 786w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Star-Ferry-Afternoon-Tea-Sep-2024-3-1-230x300.jpg 230w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Star-Ferry-Afternoon-Tea-Sep-2024-3-1-768x1001.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Star-Ferry-Afternoon-Tea-Sep-2024-3-1-1179x1536.jpg 1179w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Star-Ferry-Afternoon-Tea-Sep-2024-3-1.jpg 1228w" sizes="(max-width: 786px) 100vw, 786px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Star Ferry x The Peninsula Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



To top it all, this festive season, guests are invited to rejoice in its celebrated Afternoon Tea on the Harbour experience, resuming its enchanting voyages on the iconic Victoria Harbour from now till 31 March 2025. Hop aboard the beautifully customised World Star ferry to enjoy breathtaking views and live music, whilst savouring a thoughtfully crafted menu by chef de cuisine Kay Ng, featuring seasonal delights and the renowned Peninsula raisin scones, paired with premium teas and coffees for a complete gastronomic experience. These voyages will operate on Saturdays and selected Sundays, with two sessions available.&nbsp;



The Peninsula Hong Kong promises to enchant guests with unforgettable experiences that blend timeless traditions with contemporary luxury. Whether indulging in culinary delights, enjoying festive performances, or simply soaking in the opulent surroundings, guests will embrace the true spirit of the season at The Peninsula Hong Kong.

Christmas at The Peninsula

Christmas in Hong Kong

Dining

Hk Dining

The Peninsula

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Wine and Dine

Embark on a Journey of Tradition in the Peninsula Style

In the heart of Hong Kong, where tradition and modernity coalesce in harmony, <a href="https://mott32.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mott 32</a> stands as a beacon of elevated Chinese cuisine that’s homed in the basement of an iconic building—everything that was here was not supposed to work, a cavernous basement location with no street visibility and difficult access—and yet it did, and it’s become part of the DNA of our city. It’s a destination-dining must that’s wowed guests and critics alike for the past decade. Indeed, since its inception in 2014, this establishment has captivated guests, gourmands, and editors alike, earning accolades for its innovative approach to Chinese culinary traditions and exquisite interior design. Mott 32 is not merely a restaurant; it is an experience that redefines the boundaries of Chinese cuisine with novel takes, an elevation of traditional recipes with a global perspective and modernisation that’s second to none.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mott32-HK-New-Interior-2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794386" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mott32-HK-New-Interior-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mott32-HK-New-Interior-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mott32-HK-New-Interior-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mott32-HK-New-Interior-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mott32-HK-New-Interior-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mott 32.</figcaption></figure>



Upon entering Mott 32, one is immediately struck by its exquisite interiors, a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary design, characterised by lavish décor that transports diners to a realm of post-modern elegance. Meticulously curated artwork and thematic rooms enhance the ambience, making it an ideal venue for both intimate dinners and grand celebrations. Moreover, the dining experience at Mott 32 is as much about visual appeal as it is about flavour. Each bespoke dish, plated in indulgent elegance, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to excellence, and this attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the dining experience.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="767" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-42天飼養北京片皮鴨-蘋果木燒-Applewood-Roasted-Peking-Duck-1024x767.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794385" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-42天飼養北京片皮鴨-蘋果木燒-Applewood-Roasted-Peking-Duck-1024x767.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-42天飼養北京片皮鴨-蘋果木燒-Applewood-Roasted-Peking-Duck-300x225.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-42天飼養北京片皮鴨-蘋果木燒-Applewood-Roasted-Peking-Duck-768x575.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-42天飼養北京片皮鴨-蘋果木燒-Applewood-Roasted-Peking-Duck-1536x1151.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-42天飼養北京片皮鴨-蘋果木燒-Applewood-Roasted-Peking-Duck-2048x1534.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Applewood roasted Peking duck at Mott 32.</figcaption></figure>



Mott 32 has garnered a reputation for its signature dishes, which include the celebrated&nbsp;applewood roasted Peking duck, a dish that has become synonymous with the restaurant. Prepared with meticulous care over 48 hours, the duck’s skin is perfectly crisped, while the meat remains succulent and tender. Another standout is the&nbsp;triple-cooked Wagyu beef short rib, a dish that exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Cooked to perfection, the rich flavour of the beef is enhanced by a careful selection of seasonings that honour the dish’s Chinese roots while introducing a modern twist.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="767" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-龍蝦配麻婆豆腐-Signature-Lobster-Ma-Po-Tofu-1024x767.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794383" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-龍蝦配麻婆豆腐-Signature-Lobster-Ma-Po-Tofu-1024x767.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-龍蝦配麻婆豆腐-Signature-Lobster-Ma-Po-Tofu-300x225.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-龍蝦配麻婆豆腐-Signature-Lobster-Ma-Po-Tofu-768x575.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-龍蝦配麻婆豆腐-Signature-Lobster-Ma-Po-Tofu-1536x1151.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-龍蝦配麻婆豆腐-Signature-Lobster-Ma-Po-Tofu-2048x1534.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Signature lobster “ma po tofu” at Mott 32.</figcaption></figure>



For those seeking a unique interpretation of a traditional dish, the&nbsp;signature lobster “ma po tofu”&nbsp;is a must-try; this elevated take on the classic combines the delicate sweetness of lobster with the robust flavours of Sichuan cuisine, creating a harmonious balance.



“We came to completely disrupt Chinese cuisine and it’s very rare that a restaurant causes a seismic shift in how a country’s cuisine is cooked,” says Xuan Mu, co-founder and managing director of Mott 32. “Chinese food is based on a respect culture, where a small number of highly rated chefs all cook the way the previous master showed them, honouring the history and the master. When they retire, their sous chef takes over and repeats this process, so there is limited innovation. […] Recipes are handed down from master to master. [When we] started Mott 32, it was extremely important to maintain tradition and honour the authenticity of Chinese cooking, but [we] also wanted to innovate. We interviewed over 30 chefs to find one that would agree to changing his cooking methods.”



Mott 32’s seasonal menu’s reflect the changing tides of nature, offering dishes that are not only timely but also thoughtfully crafted to highlight the bounty of each season. It is also the first luxury Chinese restaurant to introduce a plant-based menu, including versions of its signature dishes, such as the Peking duck.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



At the core of the Mott 32 ethos lies a profound respect for sustainability, and the restaurant is at the forefront of a movement to evolve the food and beverage industry, advocating for practices that minimise environmental impact. Mott 32 has implemented innovative solutions across all of its restaurants, from procuring ingredients ethically to reducing food waste, to ensuring that every dish served is not only delicious but also responsibly sourced.



Mott 32’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the kitchen; the restaurant employs a variety of eco-friendly practices, including the use of compostable packaging materials and a stringent policy against serving endangered species, answering to growing number of consumers who are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food choices.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="767" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-黑豚肉松露-鵪鶉蛋燒賣-Soft-Quail-Egg-Iberico-Pork-Black-Truffle-Siu-Mai-1024x767.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794387" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-黑豚肉松露-鵪鶉蛋燒賣-Soft-Quail-Egg-Iberico-Pork-Black-Truffle-Siu-Mai-1024x767.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-黑豚肉松露-鵪鶉蛋燒賣-Soft-Quail-Egg-Iberico-Pork-Black-Truffle-Siu-Mai-300x225.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-黑豚肉松露-鵪鶉蛋燒賣-Soft-Quail-Egg-Iberico-Pork-Black-Truffle-Siu-Mai-768x575.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-黑豚肉松露-鵪鶉蛋燒賣-Soft-Quail-Egg-Iberico-Pork-Black-Truffle-Siu-Mai-1536x1151.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTHK-黑豚肉松露-鵪鶉蛋燒賣-Soft-Quail-Egg-Iberico-Pork-Black-Truffle-Siu-Mai-2048x1534.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soft quail egg, Ibérico pork, and black truffle siu mai at Mott 32.</figcaption></figure>



A visit to Mott 32 would be incomplete without indulging in its exceptional dim sum. Each dumpling is crafted with precision, cooked to order, and served at the pinnacle of freshness. Its&nbsp;quail egg siu mai, a standout offering, features a perfectly runny quail egg nestled within a delicate dumpling wrapper, exemplifying the restaurant’s dedication to detail and flavour. Each dim sum item is cooked à la minute so diners can enjoy them at the peak of flavour and texture, a feat that is particularly impressive given the restaurant’s substantial capacity.



Now the most successful luxury Chinese restaurant in the world, you can experience Mott 32 in nine international locations with another 10 planned opening in the next few years. Mott 32 is more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary revolution, and an experience. With its stunning aesthetics, innovative dishes, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, it offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and responsible. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Mott 32 presents an opportunity to indulge in the best of contemporary Chinese dining. Whether you are a connoisseur of fine food or simply seeking a memorable meal, Mott 32 promises an experience that will linger long after the last bite has been savoured. As it continues to push the boundaries of Chinese cuisine, Mott 32 remains a must-visit destination for those seeking an unparalleled gastronomic adventures.



All images courtesy of Mott 32.

Chinese dining

HK Dine

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Dining

Mott 32

Restaurant

This Landmark Restaurant Ushered In a Culinary Transformation of Luxury, Modern Chinese Dining, and It’s Celebrating a Decade of Innovation

Aman

Amangiri

Desert Resort

Luxury Retreat

Utah

What It’s Like to Stay at Amangiri, Aman’s Legendary Utah Desert Retreat

The&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/nycwawa-waldorf-astoria-new-york/">Waldorf Astoria New York</a>&nbsp;will reemerge next year after nearly a decade of renovations, and&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;got an exclusive first look inside its revamped Park Avenue&nbsp;suite.&nbsp;



The legendary Midtown <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/manhattan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manhattan</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotel</a> is set to reopen its doors at 301 Park Avenue in spring 2025 following an extensive, multi-phase restoration that began in 2017. Guests will be able to start making reservations beginning Tuesday, 10 December, ahead of the grand opening, and if you’re curious, we got a sneak peek at what to expect before you book.



French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon is behind the swanky new look, at least when it comes to the interiors. The design studio revamped all 375 rooms including its 78 suites. Most notably, the hotel downsized from 1,400 guest rooms and noted that most will “double in size, starting at around 600 square feet,” Dino Michael, global category head of Hilton luxury brands, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Waldorf-Astoria-New-York-rebirth-is-months-away" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travel Weekly</a>. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Living-Space-1-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793936" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Living-Space-1-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Living-Space-1-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Living-Space-1-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Living-Space-1-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Park Avenue suite at the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/waldorf-astoria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waldorf Astoria</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York</a>.  Image courtesy of Waldorf Astoria New York</figcaption></figure>



The plush Park Avenue View Premier One Bedroom Suite is an homage to the Waldorf Astoria’s Art Deco history, which began in 1931 when the hotel made its debut. Inside, everything from the textures down to the finishes are curated nods to the original property, including&nbsp;a fireplace made of onyx and custom embroidered window drapery featuring a special archival pattern.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bed-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York-1.jpg-1024x684.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793937" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bed-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York-1.jpg-1024x684.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bed-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York-1.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bed-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York-1.jpg-768x513.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bed-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The primary bedroom. Image courtesy of Waldorf Astoria New York</figcaption></figure>



“With a distinctively residential sensibility, the suite celebrates the richness of its heritage while providing an exclusive and unparalleled experience that reflects the essence of the hotel’s iconic address,” the hotel said in a release. Elsewhere, the room marries custom-built Delta furnishings and vanity sconces by Chapman lighting with desk lamps in an original Pierre-Yves Rochon design that acts as an homage to Waldorf Astoria’s storied past. Rates for the rooms start at&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/1000-per-night-hotel-rooms-1235890089/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$1,500 per night</a> (approximately HK$11,662). &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bathroom-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-1024x684.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793938" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bathroom-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-1024x684.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bathroom-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bathroom-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg-768x513.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-Park-Avenue-View-Premier-One-Bedroom-Suite-Bathroom-Waldorf-Astoria-New-York.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The primary bathroom. Image courtesy of Waldorf Astoria New York</figcaption></figure>



Outside of the accommodations, guests will have access to a slew of on-site perks such as a massive 30,000-square-foot spa and state-of-the-art fitness center. There will also be a two-story American brasserie-style restaurant, Lex Yard, spearheaded by longtime Gramercy Tavern chef Michael Anthony.&nbsp;



The beloved luxury hotel faced on-going delays since it shut down eight years ago. Initial predictions forecasted that the property would reopen as soon as 2019, however, the target date has been pushed back several times since then due to unforeseen pandemic delays, in addition to a <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/chinese-tycoon-waldorf-astoria-hotel-18-years-prison-10-billion-fraud.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corruption scandal</a> that arose in 2018.

hotel

luxury hotel

New York

Park Avenue

Park Avenue Suite

The Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s Park Avenue Suite Just Got a Makeover. Here’s a Look Inside.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Aston Martin

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Best of the Best 2024

Electric Vehicle

luxury car

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Genesis

Hypercar

motosport

This New Genesis Hypercar Will Race at Le Mans in 2026

A new era of exclusivity has arrived at&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Benz</a>.



Over the weekend, the German marque unveiled the finished version of its first Mythos car, the AMG PureSpeed, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this past weekend. What better place to debut a stylish speedster equipped with a HALO system similar to that found on Formula 1 cars?



Mercedes <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-benz-new-ultra-luxury-line-mythos-series-1235524023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced plans to launch Mythos</a>, its latest sub-brand, earlier this year. The new line will sit atop of the automaker’s portfolio and will produce ultra-exclusive vehicles that combine the best aspects of its powerful AMG and opulent Maybach models. And, based on the first look at the finished AMG PureSpeed, it will do just that.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed05.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793952" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed05.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed05.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed05.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed05.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-amg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-AMG</a> PureSpeed. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



The AMG PureSpeed makes its debut just six months&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/concept-mercedes-amg-purespeed-roadster-halo-system-mythos-1235627573/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first shown off in concept form</a>&nbsp;before the Monaco Grand Prix (yes, you’re right to be sensing a theme). The speedster hasn’t changed much in the intervening months, but that’s a good thing since the first Mythos model is one of the more visually striking vehicles of 2024.



The new model is an open-top two-seater that lacks a windshield but does have a halo system that divides the cabin and provides protection in case of an accident. Two aerodynamic helmets with integrated intercoms are provided so that the driver and passenger can converse even at high speeds. It also has a distinctive, for Mercedes, front fascia inspired by that of the AMG One hypercar, as well as two scoops behind the seats like the 300 SLR that Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson drove to victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793953" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the AMG PureSpeed. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



The example on display in Abu Dhabi red and black racing-style livery with “10” on the fenders, similar to that worn by the Mercedes that won the Targa Florio race in 1924. Other colours are available, including the marque’s trademark Silver Arrow finish. The interior, meanwhile, features a two-tone colour scheme and a custom analog timepiece on the dash that was designed by IWC Schaffhausen.



Mercedes has confirmed that the AMG PureSpeed will be powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 found in the sub-brand’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-amg-sl-63-s-e-performance-most-powerful-sl-yet-1235444374/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SL63 roadster</a>. Unlike that car, there’s no electrical unit to help boost potency, but output still comes out to an impressive 577 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque. Mercedes says the car will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph. Other technical features include a nine-speed automatic gearbox, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, ceramic composite brakes, and a suspension system with semi-active hydraulic roll stabilisation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed02.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793957" style="width:842px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed02.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed02.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed02.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/purespeed02.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mercedes-Benz. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



Mercedes has already said it plans to build just 250 examples of the AMG PureSpeed. The company doesn’t mention that the vehicle is sold-out, which suggests there are build slots still available. No price has been announced either, but expect it to be well north of the US$208,150 (approximately HK$1.6 million) starting price of the AMG SL63 S E Performance.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-ultra-exclusive-mercedes-amg-purespeed-1236115274" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed.

German

Mercedes-Benz

Mythos

New mercedes

The New mercedes mythos

The New Mercedes Mythos Is an Ultra-Exclusive Open-Top Car With No Windshield

One of the world’s most famous vehicles is going all-electric.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Benz</a>&nbsp;has just pulled back on the first fully electric Popemobile. The 2025 edition of the vehicle is based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-benz-all-electric-g-580-revealed-1235592257/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new G580 EV</a>, or, as it’s better known, the battery-powered&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-amg-g-wagen-suv-1234625265/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G-Wagen</a>.



Pope Francis’s personal vehicle—or at least the one he is driven around in very slowly while waving to his more devoted followers—is a coachbuilt G-Class. This isn’t the first time the automaker has teamed up with the church, either. Mercedes has been working closely with the Vatican dating back to 1930 when they supplied a Nürburg 460 Pullman Sedan for Pope Pius XI.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/popemobile02.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794003" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/popemobile02.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/popemobile02.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/popemobile02.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/popemobile02.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 EV “Popemobile.” Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



The electric Popemobile, which will be used for local events, sports a custom design developed in conjunction with the Vatican that is much different from that of the G-Wagen you can buy at your local dealer. The roof has been chopped off at the B-pillar, basically turning the EV into a squat truck. The resulting bed features a swivelling chair for the Pope, as well as two smaller seats positioned behind in the corners. It’s finished in all-white—like the other Popemobiles before it—and also includes a removable hard top that can be deployed in case of inclement weather. Francis isn’t about to let a storm get in the way of him and his papal duties.



Mercedes’s announcement is curiously short of details performance details, but the standard version of the EV has a quad-motor powertrain that makes 579 hp and 859 ft lbs of torque and can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds. The Popemobile variant is unlikely to ever post those kinds of numbers, though. Mercedes says it modified the G-Wagen’s powertrain for low-speed driving so people have time to see him.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-2.20.16 PM-1024x563.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794004" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-2.20.16 PM-1024x563.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-2.20.16 PM-300x165.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-2.20.16 PM-768x422.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-2.20.16 PM.png 1266w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



“The G-Class is one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic vehicles and we are proud that we can develop vehicles for the Holy Father in this tradition,” the automaker’s chief design officer, Gorden Wagener, said in a statement. “The first all-electric G-Class combines sustainability, elegant design, and maximum functionality. It is a great honour for us to be able to present this special vehicle to Pope Francis today.”



If you’re dreaming of riding around in a Popemobile of your own, you’re out of luck—or going to have to shell out a ton of money on a custom job of your own. The Vatican’s G580 EV is about as exclusive as vehicles come and the only way you’ll get one is to become the next pope—or dish out way too much money on a custom job of your own.

Popemobile

Mercedes Just Unveiled the First All-Electric Popemobile

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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
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The collaboration between the driver and watchmaker culminated in the release of his first signature timepiece, the <a href="https://magazine.tagheuer.com/en/2022/05/02/the-ultimate-collectors-guide-tag-heuer-senna-special-editions/#:~:text=1994%20%2D%20THE%20FIRST%20TAG%20HEUER%20SENNA%20SPECIAL%20EDITION&amp;text=The%20TAG%20Heuer%206000%20Senna,with%20the%20driver's%20creative%20involvement." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6000 Senna Limited Edition</a>, in 1994, the same year before he tragically died following an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix. The agreement to create the watch was <a href="https://www.tagheuer.com/is/en/vintage-collection/tag-heuer-6000-series.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reached two days before the fatal crash</a> in Imola, Italy. Several references celebrating the driver have been released over the years, including two chronograph <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-new-tourbillons-2024-1235611370/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tourbillons</a> in the Carrera collection in 2018 and 2019.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793044" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ayrton Senna with TAG Heuer watch. Image courtesy of TAG Heuer</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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

Ayrton Senna

Formula 1

TAG Heuer

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Omega

Speedmaster

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

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a> has long been the <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/restaurant-thefts-nyc-rolex-patek-philippe-1235698756/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catnip for robbers</a>, and reports of Rolex thefts have increased with a vengeance over the last couple of years. Crimes have been reported everywhere, from <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-thief-nyc-1235808553/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYC</a> to the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-robberies-bay-area-california-1234741619/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay Area of California </a>to <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watch-thefts-rise-targeting-rolex-patek-1234784453/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London and Paris</a>. A new company, Orkos, thinks it has the solution for keeping your Rollie on your wrist.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WAT04_Visuel-2_boucle-acier-PS_Nocturne_ind01.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793707" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WAT04_Visuel-2_boucle-acier-PS_Nocturne_ind01.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WAT04_Visuel-2_boucle-acier-PS_Nocturne_ind01-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WAT04_Visuel-2_boucle-acier-PS_Nocturne_ind01-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Orkos</figcaption></figure>



After French entrepreneur Sébastien Buonomo nearly lost his Rolex GMT-Master II, given to him by his late brother, he devised a system to ensure his prized heirloom would always remain in his possession. Alongside watchmaker Bruno Herbert, the duo invented <a href="https://orkos-watches.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watchlock</a>, a bracelet clasp with an integrated micro-locking system that effectively locks your timekeeper. Made from 316 L 1.4441 stainless steel and fully assembled in Switzerland, the system uses a micro-locking system with a key. When the key is inserted, the deployment buckle can be used conventionally. When the key is pulled out, it fastens the micro-lock, effectively locking the clasp in place so there is no risk of someone grabbing it off your wrist without taking your arm with it. It also prevents loss during swimming, diving, or other sporting activities. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/watchlock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watchlock</a> system is currently available for Airking, DateJust, and Daytona models.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_293.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793706" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_293.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_293-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_293-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Orkos</figcaption></figure>



It certainly seems like a good idea for those travelling to destinations known for widespread theft or for any adventure-ready trips. The catch is that it cost €680 (approximately US$708/HK$5,510 at current exchange). That’s a small price to pay to prevent your US$15,100 (HK$117,535) Daytona from being snatched off your wrist (particularly when you factor in its secondary market value). But the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOeVM4wk0Ck&amp;t=1s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watchlock system </a>also requires a bit of handiwork. The folding clasp comes with a Bergeon SA x Orkos tool kit, including a screwdriver, pump driver, magnifier x 4, and microfibre, as well as a 5 ml tube of Loctite 243 thread locker to optimise the tightening and locks of the screws when reassembling the Watchlock buckle. It also comes with a smart and sage key holder for removing and securing the key (a total of three are supplied). For the average consumer, that’s a lot of work. But on the company’s Instagram, @orkos_watchparts, it does offer free installation at one of its distributors or watchmakers. Again, that’s a bit of an inconvenience. On the other hand, if you have an insanely valuable Rollie it could be worth it in certain circumstances.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_097.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793705" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_097.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_097-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORKOS-18MARS-_097-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Orkos</figcaption></figure>



Questions remain about the product’s practicality, and we’ve sent queries to the brand that have not yet been answered. As one of my colleagues pointed out, “What happens if you’re travelling and forget the key at home? Will you need to wear the watch the whole time? That wouldn’t be fun, haha.” Indeed, you would be putting its water resistance to the test daily. While it does come with extra keys, if you happened to forget them while travelling, you would be in quite a predicament. Nevertheless, Orkos may be on to something here, and we’ll be curious to see if it catches on.

Orkos

Watchlock

This New Watch Clasp Aims to Keep Your Rolex From Being Stolen

Perched on a balcony high above a crowd of retailers, clients, and press, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/patek-philippe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patek Philippe</a> president Thierry Stern lorded over the official unveiling of the brand’s first new collection in 25 years, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/patek-philippe-debuts-cubitus-collection-watches-1235953276/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Cubitus</a>. The October event, held about an hour outside Munich, was supposed to provide the first glimpse of the latest offering, but the much-anticipated reveal was spoiled when an ad for the timepiece leaked online a few days before, sending social-media commentators into a frenzy. Word of the release caught like wildfire, but the response was anything but warm. (Even The New York Times went so far as to compare it, if unfairly, to a US$717 (HK$5,580) model from an English microbrand powered by a cheap Miyota movement.)



None of this seems to have stopped demand for the Cubitus, and it didn’t take long for seasoned collectors to start bragging about receiving their orders. Among the first was American rapper NORE, born Victor Santiago Jr, who <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealnoreaga/p/DCOdmuEuyGu/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">posted photos and videos</a> of himself opening his two-tone Cubitus (Ref. 5821/1AR) just four days after its launch. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusGreenDial-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793479" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusGreenDial-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusGreenDial-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusGreenDial-768x1152.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusGreenDial-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusGreenDial.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patek Philippe’s much-anticipated Cubitus is available in three references: steel with a green dial (above); a calendar watch with a blue dial; and a two-tone time-and-date. Image courtesy of Patek Philippe</figcaption></figure>



Even if you run watchmaking’s most revered brand, releasing a new collection is no easy feat—especially when it comes two and a half decades after the previous one. The weight of the watch world’s expectations was upon Stern’s shoulders. In response, Patek’s head honcho produced what many pundits agreed was a rather simple design; the time-and-date pieces were so straightforward, in fact, that watch enthusiasts complained they were just reinterpretations of existing Nautilus models housed in a larger 45 mm case. 



The Cubitus line includes three references: Ref. 5821/1A comes in steel with an olive-green dial—if you can get it at retail, it will cost US$41,243 (HK$320,935)—and the aforementioned two-tone version has a blue dial for US$61,276 (HK$476,825). A third iteration, Ref. 5822P, has a platinum case with a blue dial and is priced at US$88,378 (HK$687,725); it’s the only Cubitus to sport a strap. It houses the new Calibre 240 PS CI J LU and combines a large date window, moon phase, and day-of-the-week indications, all of which can be changed simultaneously in 18 milliseconds. The watch has six patents pending (many of which concern the perfect alignment of the date digits and the ability to correct the indications at any time of day), proving that you can’t judge the Cubitus by its cover. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusBlue.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793480" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusBlue.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusBlue-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Patek_CubitusBlue-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Calendar watch with a blue dial. Image courtesy of Patek Philippe</figcaption></figure>



As for the comparisons to the best-selling Nautilus, “they’re right,” Stern admits, noting that he looked to both the Nautilus and the Aquanaut when creating the Cubitus. “Today, I have an amazing line with the DNA of the other one—that’s what I do,” he says. “I also do it with the Calatrava line or the complications, all of them. You should not always reinvent everything from zero,” he adds. “Take the best of what you know and improve it.” It’s a winning formula for other luxury brands, after all—Hermès, Rolex, and Ferrari do this sort of thing all the time. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PAtek-Cubitus-Two-Tone-with-Cuff-Links.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793481" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PAtek-Cubitus-Two-Tone-with-Cuff-Links.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PAtek-Cubitus-Two-Tone-with-Cuff-Links-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PAtek-Cubitus-Two-Tone-with-Cuff-Links-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Cubitus two-tone with matching cuff links.</figcaption></figure>



Yet Stern insists the idea behind the Cubitus is not to stay stuck in the past, but instead to attract new customers. “I cannot only stay with the older clients—and I will not lose them—but I also know that at one point they will be gone, and the new ones should also be part of it.” His ideal Cubitus buyer is someone young and active, who might be just starting a new business—and in the same breath he adds that, unless that person is already a VIP client, they’ll have to get in line. “It will be the same as the Aquanaut,” he notes. “The first year might be a bit difficult for the newcomer to have it, but after that, it will be easier.” The nonchalant admission only seemed to further drive home the message: There’s nothing radically new here. And yet it’s all anyone can talk about—which is just the way Patek Philippe likes it.

Cubitus

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe’s Buzzy New Cubitus Line Is Not Radically New—and That’s the Whole Point

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Luxury watches

Rolex

Sotheby’s

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

FP Journe

Phillips

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

Steve Kozloff is making his marine dream a reality.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Deep Sea Dreamer

Steve Kozloff

Submarine

This Insane Submarine Concept Doubles as a 107-Foot Superyacht

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Carbon-Fibre

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