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

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/oscarvinals11/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Oscar Viñals</a>&nbsp;of OVI’s Design wants to turn the aircraft of a sci-fi fantasy into a reality.



The Barcelona-based designer, known for penning all manner of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.behance.net/ovisdesign" target="_blank">disruptive concepts</a>, has just unveiled an insane new&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/supersonic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supersonic</a>&nbsp;plane that points to the future of aviation.



The&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.behance.net/gallery/180916105/The-Sky-OV-supersonic-re-evolution" target="_blank">Sky OV concept</a>&nbsp;is at the bleeding edge of aeronautical design, with innovative technologies that result in greater speed, efficiency, and sustainability. The aircraft has the sleek arrow-shaped silhouette of a fighter jet and four aerodynamic wings that help it soar through the skies. The wings also fold up when not in use to save space in the hangar.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234781072" style="aspect-ratio:1.7857142857142858;width:648px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Sky OV can carry 200 passengers and two pilots. OSCAR VIÑALS</figcaption></figure>



The Sky OV is equipped with bladeless turbojet engines that borrow from Dyson’s motor for the all-electric Airbus A320E. For the unversed, the British company’s engine is powered by a “Fluidic Propulsion Air Multiplier” (FPAM) system that essentially accelerates a consistent stream of air without exposed blades.



The Sky OV engines are also based on pulse detonation and use controlled explosions to create thrust. Viñals says detonation engines are more efficient than traditional jet engines at high velocities, with the ability to drive an aircraft to four or five times the speed of sound. Speaking of which, the Sky OV promises a cruising speed of 913 mph (Mach 1.2) and a max speed of 1,141 mph (Mach 1.5).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_3.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234781073" style="aspect-ratio:1.7857142857142858;width:648px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_3.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_3.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sky_OV_3.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The supersonic jet has a cruising speed of 913 mph and a max speed of 1,141 mph. OSCAR VIÑALS</figcaption></figure>



“The system could deliver more thrust and use 50 percent less fuel than a small turbojet,” Viñals writes on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.behance.net/gallery/180916105/The-Sky-OV-supersonic-re-evolution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behance</a>. “Compared to turbofans or turboprops, it’s about 30 percent lighter and much less mechanically complex—clear advantages in aviation.”



To top it off, the Sky OV runs on a mix of hydrogen fuel and electric power to ensure true zero-emission flight. This&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/concept/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concept</a>&nbsp;also has “solar dots” integrated into the ceiling that could produce further electric power from the sun’s rays.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="...out of a Star Wars film!! The supersonic &quot;Sky OV&quot; concept plane" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rUHXpaAR5Zs?start=1&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



 Measuring just over 149 feet, the craft can comfortably carry up to 200 passengers and two crew. There are no renders of the interior, but Viñals says fliers will be in very comfortable conditions, with the cabin offering “all kinds of commodities and luxury devices.”



Industry experts are still divided as to whether or not&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/supersonic-flying-companies-1234816259/" target="_blank">supersonic flying will take off</a>. Even still, companies such as&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boom-supersonic-jet-fly-next-months-1234889597/" target="_blank">Boom Supersonic</a>,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/slideshow/the-rockets-red-glare-celebrate-our-spacefaring-future-on-the-4th/spike-aerospaces-s-512/" target="_blank">Spike Aerospace</a>, and Lockheed Martin are working on supersonic jets. Viñals has also designed other supersonic aircraft, including a jet that could fly from New York City to London in just 80 minutes. We’d certainly love that to become a reality.

Aviation

Barcelona

Designer

Jet concept

OVI Design

Supersonic

supersonic jet

This Bonkers Supersonic Jet Concept Could Fly at up to 1,141 MPH—With 200 Passengers

Planes with flapping wings sound more anime than aerospace, but the world’s largest airframers on both sides of the Atlantic are expediting prototypes that could shape the next generation of business and commercial jets in entirely unconventional ways. 



Their mission? To make aircraft exceedingly more fuel-efficient and help deliver on aviation’s sustainability pledge to be carbon-neutral by 2050. In Europe, <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus</a> is designing radical wing configurations, including one that changes form to counter turbulence, while stateside, <a href="https://www.boeing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing</a> has partnered on NASA’s X-66A experimental plane that relies on trusses to support unusually long and slender wings. 



The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2023-11-extra-performance-wing-demonstrator-takes-off" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extra Performance Wing</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/airbus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus</a>&nbsp;is developing “mimics a bird’s feathers and adjusts automatically to maximise aerodynamic flow,” says Sebastien Blanc, technical wing director for the project, part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/innovation-ecosystem/airbus-upnext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus UpNext programme</a>. Flight tests for the 165-foot-long shape-shifting wing will begin next year on a Cessna Citation VII jet. “Like a bird, it dynamically adapts to conditions, using active control technologies,” explains Blanc. And its folding wingtips, an ancillary design, will allow for increased performance while fitting into the constraints of the airport gates.&nbsp;



Thin, elongated wings are also integral to the X-66A, a Boeing concept that NASA greenlighted last year as part of its <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/armd/iasp/sfd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Flight Demonstrator</a> programme. Spearheading the US$1.15 billion (HK$8.9 billion) plan across a seven-year timeline, Boeing will modify an MD-90 aircraft by shortening the fuselage and mounting the engines under what it calls a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing, which, as the name implies, relies on a set of aerodynamic trusses.



“Our goal was to develop a more sustainable airplane that can replace current single-aisle aircraft,” says Brent Cobleigh, NASA’s X-66A project manager, adding that the latter account for nearly half of global flight emissions. “With advanced propulsion and lighter-weight materials, we think it will have a 30 per cent reduction in fuel burn.”&nbsp;



The industry’s goal to reach carbon neutrality in the next 26 years faces strong headwinds in cost alone. Yet with such out-of-the-box concepts being explored by some of the world’s biggest aerospace innovators, others may soon be motivated to earn their own sustainability wings.

Airbus

Airbus UpNext

Boeing

Extra Performance Wing

NASA

Sustainable Flight Demonstrator

X-66A

Airliners Are Trying Radical New Wing Designs to Improve Fuel-Efficiency

Of all the emerging forms of aviation propulsion, hydrogen seems the least likely to be an early adopter. But Swiss-based Sirius has announced plans to start flight tests of a hydrogen-powered business jet in 2025.



The company recently introduced the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/worlds-first-hydrogen-powered-vtol-aircraft-sirius-jet-1235472673/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sirius Business Jet and Sirius Millennium Jet </a>(the commercial version), followed by the hydrogen-electric propulsion system with ducted fans. CEO Alexey Popov gave Robb Report more insight into development plans and its timeline towards certification.



Like many eVTOL designs, the Sirius Business Jet will have both vertical takeoff potential as well as shifting rotors that allow forward flight. Like electric aircraft, the Sirius Business Jet will emit zero carbon emissions but will boast a much longer range and top speed. “We’ve just presented the most critical part of this aircraft—the engine,” says Popov. “It’s a sustainable technology that is part of aviation’s plan to be carbon neutral by 2050.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-5.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786143" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-5.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-5-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Business Jet will be limited to only three passenger seats. But no emissions and a range of 1,150 miles could make it a contender in the light-jet category. Image courtesy of Sirius Aviation AG</figcaption></figure>



Hydrogen-powered aircraft are rare, but not new. In February 1957, a Martin B-57B flew on hydrogen for 20 minutes on one of its engines, rather than using jet fuel. Just over 50 years later, Boeing flight-tested a two-seat Diamond DA20 on a fuel cell. In 2016, the wide, thin-winged experimental <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/h2fly-hy4-electric-aircraft-1234893415/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antares DLR-HY4 </a>successfully completed flight tests on a hydrogen fuel cell and has been flying since. Last January, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/zeroavia-hyflyer-largest-hydrogen-powered-aircraft-successful-flight-1234798398/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ZeroAvia flew a Dornier 228</a> with one turboprop replaced by a prototype hydrogen-electric powertrain that included two fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery.



If Sirius is successful, it would be a breakthrough—the first purpose-built, hydrogen-electric jet that is not an experimental aircraft or using an existing airframe. The Business Jet won’t be powered by hydrogen fuel cells but instead will use liquid hydrogen stored in cryogenic tanks that will power the electric motors, with a lithium-ion battery system as backup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786144" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-3.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-3-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 28 ducted fans tilt, allowing vertical takeoff and landing and forward flight. Image courtesy of Sirius Aviation AG</figcaption></figure>



Popov says most components use proven “off-the-shelf technology,” with its just-unveiled powertrain being the missing link that will bring everything together.



Sirius developed the hydrogen powertrain design and the ducted fan system, while its partner <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw-designworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW Designworks</a> is responsible for the interior and exterior. Tommy Forsgren, lead designer at BMW Group and responsible for the BMW Series 6, will take the lead on the design. The design group has been responsible for many aircraft interiors, both large and small, but this will be its first exterior. Other partners include the Sauber Group F1 on the design and Leonardo Aerostructures, part of the Italian helicopter giant Agusta Westland.



The Business Jet version will have space for a pilot and up to three passengers, while the Millennial Jet version will have seats for a pilot and up to five passengers. The design includes multiple ducted jet fans along both sets of wings, at the forefront and midsections of the aircraft, with a dramatically flared tail.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-3-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786145" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-3-1.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Business-Jet-3-1-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The larger Millennium Jet is designed for commercial use, with five seats but about half the range of the Business Jet. Image courtesy of Sirius Aviation AG</figcaption></figure>



Hydrogen has a much higher power density than batteries, giving it a much larger range than pure-electric aircraft. The Business Jet will be able to fly 1,150 miles, thanks to extended fuel tanks. Its designated maximum cruise speed is 323 mph. Besides zero carbon emissions, Sirius says the jet will produce 60 dBA from the air, or about the same noise level as a conversation in a restaurant. The Millennium Jet’s range is about half of the Business Jet’s at 650 miles, though it will have the same cruise speed and dBA output.



Much larger aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus are working on larger hydrogen-powered aircraft, with the expectation they could be used commercially by 2035.



According to Sirius, a full-scale working prototype is now under construction, with completion expected in the second or third quarter of this year. Toward the end of 2024, it will undergo initial hovering tests and horizontal flight. In 2025, Sirius expects to manufacture several full-scale airframes and to put those through more extensive flight testing. The development of the electric motors and blades will take place at the same time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Hydrogen-Electric-Powertrain-Design1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786146" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Hydrogen-Electric-Powertrain-Design1.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Hydrogen-Electric-Powertrain-Design1-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This schematic shows the different components from the hydrogen storage tank to 28 electric motors. Image courtesy of Sirius Aviation AG</figcaption></figure>



By the fourth quarter of 2027, Sirius hopes to have its aircraft certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, which it sees as its main market. The long-term plans are to build a facility in the US, though initial production will take place in Switzerland. “We hope to deliver the first jets to customers in the first quarter of 2028,” says Popov.



Sirius said it has received pre-orders from Mehair in India for 100 jets, with an approximate value of US$400 million (HK$3.1 billion). A press release said 50 would be built in India, and that both companies would develop “franchise models” for the country.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Tests2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786147" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Tests2.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.-Tests2-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ducted fans being tested. Image courtesy of Sirius Aviation AG</figcaption></figure>



If this ambitious experiment eventually pays off, Sirius could leap ahead of VTOL competitors also aiming at regional travel. Some expect these new aircraft to replace helicopters, both for local and regional travel, thanks to minimal noise and no emissions.



But there is a long way to go before this concept is proven, since the announcements are the completion of phase 1. Apart from the fans and electric motors, everything still needs to be built to scale and flight-tested. Sirius said it plans to make other announcements later this month.

Liquid Hydrogen

Sirius

Sirius Business Jet

Sirius Millennium Jet

This Sleek New Zero-Emissions Jet Will Fly on Liquid Hydrogen

If you’ve been intrigued by the <a href="https://robbreport.com/gear/gadgets/apple-vision-pro-debut-1234851410/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Vision Pro</a>, but haven’t yet committed to buying the headset, one airline will soon give you the chance to test-drive—er, pilot?—the new technology.



Beond, which bills itself as the “world’s first <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boutique-airlines-luxury-travel-for-everyone-1234853394/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">premium leisure airline</a>,” will have Vision Pros onboard beginning in July, according to a <a href="https://flybeond.com/latestnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> shared on 15 February. It will be the first airline to offer the amenity, which will come loaded with movies, games, and more in-flight content.



“The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/apple/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple</a> Vision Pro will transform the inflight entertainment experience,” Tero Taskila, Beond’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “Offering the Apple Vision Pro is another step in our vision of delivering a premium travel experience to our customers, from the start to finish of their journey. We’re proud to be the first airline to deploy the technology.”



Currently, Beond flies from Munich, Zurich, and Riyadh to the Maldives. Later this year, the airline will launch Maldives service from Milan, Dubai, and Bangkok. It’s been working to upgrade the flight experience in several ways, including an all lay-flat seating configuration. The Vision Pros are just the latest enhancement: Along with being able to play games and watch movies or TV shows, the airline is working with its partners to feature resort destinations and activities in the South Asian country.



While Beond is hoping to attract more high fliers with the Vision Pro, the headset may pose some challenges. For the best experience, users should have a custom fit and prescription lens inserts, Digital Trends <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/airline-first-to-offer-vision-pro-inflight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, and it’s not clear how the airline will address those specifications. Some users have already <a href="https://robbreport.com/gear/electronics/why-people-returning-apple-vision-pros-1235511342/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flagged issues</a> with the headsets, too, complaining about a lack of comfort and subpar features. That annoyance is likely the last thing passengers would want on a long-haul flight to a tropical destination.



Still, Beond is offering an interesting real-world use case for Apple’s latest product, which enters a virtual-reality market that hasn’t quite taken off over the years. The ability to test out the Vision Pro on a flight might bring the technology to people who wouldn’t otherwise have been interested, or convince those who wanted to see how it might fit into their life. Beond is hoping that it’s more enjoyable than your everyday seat-back entertainment, at least.

Apple Vision Pro

Beond

An Airline Is Offering Apple Vision Pro Headsets to Passengers—Here’s What They’ll See

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/airships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airships</a> have been around for more than 100 years. Zeppelins, dirigibles, blimps, and other forms of lighter-than-air craft have delivered slow, steady travel over oceans and other areas of the Earth that had been inaccessible to most short-range aircraft.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/airlander-10-gets-upgrades-ahead-of-production-2894845/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airlander 10</a>, with a payload capacity of 10 metric tonnes or about 22,000 pounds, is being touted as the next generation of sustainable aircraft, with a 4,000-mile range and the ability to fly low over deserts and frozen tundra at 20 knots. Its UK designer and manufacturer, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hybrid-air-vehicles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hybrid Air Vehicles</a> (HAV), makes the distinction that the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/airlander-10/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airlander 10</a> is not a conventional airship, which is lighter than air, but a hybrid aircraft, with a similar buoyancy to air, and therefore, will not require extensive mooring infrastructure or ground crew.



HAV today announced an agreement with French adventure-travel outfitter Grands Espaces for a 2028 tour of the Arctic Circle. The company told Robb Report that it plans for this to be the first of many Airlanders for both luxury and commercial air travel. “We see it suitable for a variety of roles, but especially for expedition tourism,” says George Land, HVA’s executive director of sales. “It gives you the opportunity to cross large bodies of water, and land on flat spaces—even water—making it possible to land in an austere location. It lets you travel like a small cruise ship.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-airlander-Screenshot-2024-02-05-at-11.54.26-PM-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785326" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-airlander-Screenshot-2024-02-05-at-11.54.26-PM-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-airlander-Screenshot-2024-02-05-at-11.54.26-PM-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-airlander-Screenshot-2024-02-05-at-11.54.26-PM-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-airlander-Screenshot-2024-02-05-at-11.54.26-PM.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An artist’s rendering of the Airship 10 over the polar regions. Image courtesy of HAV</figcaption></figure>



The interior of the Airlander 10 can be configured in different ways, with 100 seats in its regional airline form, or eight large suites for 16 passengers, along with common social and dining areas, to suit outfitters like Grands Espaces. Limited to an altitude ceiling of 10,000 feet, the Airlander typically flies closer to 2,000. That proximity gives good views of the terrain below, without requiring cabin pressurisation. “That allows features like floor-to-ceiling windows that you couldn’t have in a pressurised aircraft,” says Land.



Grands Espaces, which was launched by French polar scientist Christian Kempf, will have naturalists and other polar experts on board the cruise, along with clothing and equipment necessary for landing in the Arctic circle. Kempf discussed possible expeditions with HAV for four years. “The signing of this reservation agreement is a significant step forward,” he said.



The announcement is also the first signal of a public collaboration for HAV since its prototype crashed in 2017, after a mooring line got tangled on electric wires. The firm has largely kept silent about the progress it has made in redesigning its aircraft. Land says the prototype was scuttled following the accident and a new design involved many changes. “The initial design was made very quickly for a US Army contract and not for commercial use.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-cabin-lounge-concept-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785327" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-cabin-lounge-concept-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-cabin-lounge-concept-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-cabin-lounge-concept-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-cabin-lounge-concept.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The luxury cabin concept for a small group of travellers. Image courtesy of HAV</figcaption></figure>



The new, improved Airlander 10 involved “many, many changes from the ground up to be a commercially certifiable aircraft.” HAV plans to start manufacturing this year, with entry into service in 2028. The long-term plan includes a manufacturing facility in Yorkshire capable of producing up to 24 Airlanders each year for private clients. The Airlander 50, a larger, 50-tonne version designed to haul cargo, is being developed. Both aircraft could also have military capabilities.



If the plans work out, the Airlander 10 should make its first public appearance at the 2027 Royal International Air Tatoo (RIAT), the world’s largest public military air show.



With the 2017 accident still fresh in many minds, some observers are wondering about the timeline for manufacturing and testing. There is also the need for certification. HAV is working with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), says Land, though it will be the first time this aircraft type will undergo a certification process.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-Replacement-shot-Screenshot-2024-02-06-at-2.06.05-PM-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785328" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-Replacement-shot-Screenshot-2024-02-06-at-2.06.05-PM-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-Replacement-shot-Screenshot-2024-02-06-at-2.06.05-PM-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-Replacement-shot-Screenshot-2024-02-06-at-2.06.05-PM-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.-Replacement-shot-Screenshot-2024-02-06-at-2.06.05-PM.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The company sees regional air transport as a growth sector as airlines focus on sustainability. Image courtesy of HAV</figcaption></figure>



Besides tourism, the company sees opportunities in commercial regional air transport. Air Nostrum Group, which includes Mel Air in Malta and Hibernian Airlines in Ireland, has reserved 20 aircraft. The plans are to incorporate hybrid engines in the aircraft as a second step, and later, fully electric propulsion, as part of a sustainability solution.



HAV has an order book of over £1 billion (HK$9.87 billion) and has no direct competitors. The Airlander 10, in fact, is five times longer than the Goodyear blimp. The French company <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/rise-of-airships-2944817/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flying Whales</a> is building even larger 625-foot-long airships, but only for cargo transport, while <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/lta-pathfinder-1-airship-faa-certification-fly-1235388372/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LTA’s Pathfinder airship</a> in California is a prototype with no stated commercial applications. It received FAA clearance last October for flight tests, but LTA has been quiet about long-term plans.



That puts HAV in a unique position, according to Land. “The combination of societal need and technical development has brought our sector back to peoples’ minds again,” he says. “For the first time, you have an aircraft that can do big overland tours or travel into remote areas. At the moment, ours is without a rival.”

Airlander 10

Hybrid Air Vehicles

This Luxe New Aircraft Wants to Fly You to the Arctic Circle in 2028

Back with a bang, there was indeed&nbsp;Murder on the Dancefloor&nbsp;as Sophie Ellis-Bextor crooned at Rosewood Hong Kong on the eve of Art Basel Hong Kong. Artists, gallerists, and those in their circles braced themselves ahead of the biggest art event in the city this year. Indeed, the 11th iteration of Art Basel Hong Kong culminated in a strong turnout and significant sales.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-1024x683.jpg" alt="Abstract painting and sculptures at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786729" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hauser &amp; Wirth. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Starting off strong, Hauser &amp; Wirth stole the show by securing the most expensive reported sale, and on the first VIP day of the fair, no less. Willem de Kooning’s&nbsp;Untitled III&nbsp;(1986) sold for a whopping US$9 million (HK$70.4 million). However, the lithograph was not the only multi-million-dollar baby grabbed. Other significant sales included Philip Guston’s&nbsp;The Desire&nbsp;(1978), not far behind at US$8.5 million (HK$66.5 million). George Condo’s&nbsp;Constructed Female Portrait&nbsp;(2024), which sold for over US$2 million (HK$15.6 million). Lynne Drexler’s&nbsp;Plumed Bloom&nbsp;(1967) went for US$1.2 million (HK$9.3 million) at White Cube. Thaddaeus Ropac’s top lot was Tony Cragg’s&nbsp;Incident Solo&nbsp;(2023), sold for €725,000 (HK$6 million).&nbsp;



Mark Bradford’s return to Hong Kong was rewarding—May the Lord be the First One in the Car&#8230;and the Last Out&nbsp;(2023) sold for US$3.5 million (HK$27 million). Notably, Victoria Miro sold three ever-popular Yayoi Kusama pieces for a total of US$11 million (HK$86 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman inspecting an abstract painting at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786736" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gajah Gallery. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Reports indicate that 75,000 visitors attended Art Basel Hong Kong this year (compared to 86,000 in 2023 and 88,000 in 2019). Not exactly pre-pandemic numbers, but&nbsp;Guernica&nbsp;wasn’t painted in a day, and the coming years can only see a rise in interest, numbers, and relevance.



<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/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="Man viewing sculptural artwork on the wall." class="wp-image-1234786733" style="width:650px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nanzuka. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



“Art Basel Hong Kong returned to its full scale and spirit this edition, with the city opening its doors to visitors from all around the world once again,” said Angelle Siyang-Le, who directed Art Basel Hong Kong for the second year in a row, in an official statement. “I am deeply grateful to all the galleries, artists, patrons, institutional representatives, and cultural partners whose collaboration delivered a show of world-class range and quality in our home in Hong Kong.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Two visitors viewing hyperrealistic artworks at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786735" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Johyun Gallery. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



“This edition reflected the city itself to the world: utterly alive and teeming with energy, a meeting place of tradition and the avant-garde, a port of cultures and an essential bridge in the evolving art landscape across regions. Art Basel Hong Kong continues to be a vital anchor in Asia’s ever-growing local art scenes and a key moment in the global art trade calendar.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-1024x683.jpg" alt="Woman viewing sculpture at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786740" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tina Keng Gallery. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Meanwhile, as the curtains close on the 2024 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong, there’s already welcome news in anticipation of next year’s fair. From 2025 onwards, MGM will present a prize for emerging artists under the&nbsp;Discoveries umbrella, Art Basel Hong Kong’s sector for solo presentations by newcomers. The MGM Discoveries Art Prize is designed to foster emerging artists and encourage new talent. Further details will be released later this year.&nbsp;



Until then, watch this space.



<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="1024" height="936" data-id="1234786750" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-1024x936.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786750" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-1024x936.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-300x274.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-768x702.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-1536x1404.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464.jpg 1751w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" data-id="1234786752" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786752" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-240x300.jpg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-768x961.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-1228x1536.jpg 1228w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432.jpg 1279w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786749" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786749" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786747" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786747" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786751" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786751" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786754" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786754" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="876" height="1024" data-id="1234786757" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-876x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786757" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-876x1024.jpeg 876w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-257x300.jpeg 257w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-768x898.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-1314x1536.jpeg 1314w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n.jpeg 1369w" sizes="(max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="681" data-id="1234786758" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-1024x681.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786758" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-1536x1022.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-2048x1363.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234786759" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-1024x768.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786759" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234786761" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786761" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Above images courtesy of P. Ramakrishnan.

Art Basel

Art Basel 2024

Art Basel Hong Kong

Art Basel Hong Kong 2024

Art Fair

Art Market

Art Sales

Hong Kong

Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 Closes to Strong Sales, With Willem de Kooning Artwork as Most Expensive Lot

Just before the private, guarded wooden doors open, as suited security stand beside three Qianlong relics that are safely kept a metre behind a roped, cordoned-off area, we’re informed in hushed tones that China’s most powerful emperor’s treasures are within vicinity.



Even the estimated cost of these artefacts is staggering. And yet—we were told at an intimate press preview at Sotheby’s Hong Kong dotted with curators and connoisseurs—just three or four years ago, each piece would have expected to fetch over HK$100 million each. Now, three for HK$215 million seems like a bargain. An imperial white jade “Qianlong Yubi” seal with a twin-dragon knob carved in the early Qing dynasty (estimated at HK$70 million to HK$90 million), a rare imperial album featuring a portrait of the Qianlong Emperor by Jesuit artist Giuseppe Castiglione (HK$50 million to HK$70 million), and a glazed “dragon” moon flask with striking chiaroscuro effect (HK$35 million to HK$55 million) are up for grabs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="724" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清初-（印鈕）／乾隆（印文）　白玉「乾隆御筆」交龍鈕璽-An-exceptional-imperial-white-jade-‘Qianlong-yubi-seal_3-724x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785965" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清初-（印鈕）／乾隆（印文）　白玉「乾隆御筆」交龍鈕璽-An-exceptional-imperial-white-jade-‘Qianlong-yubi-seal_3-724x1024.jpg 724w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清初-（印鈕）／乾隆（印文）　白玉「乾隆御筆」交龍鈕璽-An-exceptional-imperial-white-jade-‘Qianlong-yubi-seal_3-212x300.jpg 212w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清初-（印鈕）／乾隆（印文）　白玉「乾隆御筆」交龍鈕璽-An-exceptional-imperial-white-jade-‘Qianlong-yubi-seal_3-768x1086.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清初-（印鈕）／乾隆（印文）　白玉「乾隆御筆」交龍鈕璽-An-exceptional-imperial-white-jade-‘Qianlong-yubi-seal_3-1087x1536.jpg 1087w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清初-（印鈕）／乾隆（印文）　白玉「乾隆御筆」交龍鈕璽-An-exceptional-imperial-white-jade-‘Qianlong-yubi-seal_3.jpg 1132w" sizes="(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Imperial white jade “Qianlong Yubi” seal.</figcaption></figure>



What makes each individual piece so precious, apart from its historical significance, impeccable upkeep, provenance, and quality, is the rarity of being held by private hands, and rarer still of any being available for private collection at auction. Previously, the pure white jade seal with a masterfully articulated double-dragon carving was in the collection of Émile Guimet (1836–1918), the founder of the Musée Guimet in Paris. He collected the piece from “the imperial hand of Qianlong” as per the inscription, as the imperial emblem was stamped on the works of art and calligraphy scrolls made by the emperor himself during the rule of Huang Taiji (1592–1643). For the Qianlong Emperor, who famously travelled the length and breadth of China visiting and viewing great works of art, he wanted his legacy to be his artistic and cultural accomplishments. Great museums of the world have similar treasures under lock and key; for such rare collectables to reach the auction table is rare feat indeed.



“We are excited to present this season to celebrate the Year of the Dragon three exceptional works of art that channel this foremost symbol of imperial power,” says Nicolas Chow, chairman of Asia and chairman and worldwide head of Asian Art, Sotheby’s. “All three were produced for the exclusive use and enjoyment of the Qianlong Emperor, the world’s most powerful man on earth during the 18th century. The superbly carved seal is possibly the finest and among the largest produced for that emperor, while the album includes the only portrait of Qianlong in private hands.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="668" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-10.23.44 AM-1024x668.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785967" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-10.23.44 AM-1024x668.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-10.23.44 AM-300x196.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-10.23.44 AM-768x501.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-10.23.44 AM-1536x1002.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-10.23.44 AM-2048x1335.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rare imperial album featuring a portrait of the Qianlong Emperor.</figcaption></figure>



As Xibo Wang, head of department of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, gently unfolds each parchment of the extremely rare imperial album comprising a portrait of Emperor Qianlong by Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining), he slowly turns page after page of imperial inscriptions and court paintings by Dong Bangda, Zou Yigui, Qian Weicheng, Ding Guanpeng, and seal impressions from the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty. “This season, our offerings are more captivating than ever before, where imperial masterpieces reign supreme. Reflecting the impeccable taste of the most influential Chinese art collectors around the globe, these outstanding collections offer an opportunity to explore the unprecedented depth and breadth of Chinese art.”



Carrie Li, deputy chairman of Chinese Works of Art, Sotheby’s Asia, explains that, based on their experience, wearing gloves to hold such precious parchment would probably lead to a slip and tear. “Only when you hold items of bronze do you need to wear gloves,” she explains while rifling through the pages, handled gingerly by the very tip and corner of paper that holds such precious information, art, and calligraphy; the inscription inside, according to court records, reflects that the portrait was possibly completed “by the 27th day of the 12th month in the 21st year of the Qianlong period” (15 February 1757 in the Gregorian calendar).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清乾隆　粉青釉浮雕海水立龍紋雙耳扁壺　《大清乾隆年製》款-A-superb-and-possibly-unique-celadon-glazed-‘dragon-moon-flask-Seal-mark-and-period-of-Qianlong_1-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785966" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清乾隆　粉青釉浮雕海水立龍紋雙耳扁壺　《大清乾隆年製》款-A-superb-and-possibly-unique-celadon-glazed-‘dragon-moon-flask-Seal-mark-and-period-of-Qianlong_1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清乾隆　粉青釉浮雕海水立龍紋雙耳扁壺　《大清乾隆年製》款-A-superb-and-possibly-unique-celadon-glazed-‘dragon-moon-flask-Seal-mark-and-period-of-Qianlong_1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清乾隆　粉青釉浮雕海水立龍紋雙耳扁壺　《大清乾隆年製》款-A-superb-and-possibly-unique-celadon-glazed-‘dragon-moon-flask-Seal-mark-and-period-of-Qianlong_1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/清乾隆　粉青釉浮雕海水立龍紋雙耳扁壺　《大清乾隆年製》款-A-superb-and-possibly-unique-celadon-glazed-‘dragon-moon-flask-Seal-mark-and-period-of-Qianlong_1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A “dragon” moon flask.</figcaption></figure>



More than 260 years later, these rare artefacts have reached Hong Kong shores. What surprised the team was, of course, the size of the imperial seal—massive compared to most others—and the flawless quality of the white jade. “You really have to see these great works of art in person,” comments Li. “You aren’t just witnessing great art, but great history.”



Sotheby’s Hong Kong Spring Auction



Public Exhibition: 2–8 April 2024 



Chinese Art Live Auction: 9 April 2024



Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong



All images courtesy of Sotheby’s.

Auction

Chinese Art

Qianlong Treasures

Rare

relics

Sotheby's

treasures

These Rare Qianlong Treasures Could Fetch HK$215 Million at Auction at Sotheby’s

Geneva is set to welcome a host of dazzling guests this May.



At the first jewellery auction to be held at Hotel President in Geneva, a new venue selected by auction house&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/phillips/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phillips</a>, the debut has to be appropriate stunning. Leading the sale is a trifecta of significant stones: a rare fancy red diamond weighing 1.56 carats, a magnificent fancy vivid pink diamond ring of 6.21 carats, and jaw-dropping Colombian emerald bearing a whopping 280.8 carats. How far will the hammer fall is uncertain, and the estimates are in multiple figures, but there’s so much more in the 100-plus lots that are worthy of inspection.&nbsp;



<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="768" height="1024" data-id="1234787153" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Argyle-Phoenix-Mesmerizing-Fancy-Red-diamond-ring-1-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787153" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Argyle-Phoenix-Mesmerizing-Fancy-Red-diamond-ring-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Argyle-Phoenix-Mesmerizing-Fancy-Red-diamond-ring-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Argyle-Phoenix-Mesmerizing-Fancy-Red-diamond-ring-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Argyle-Phoenix-Mesmerizing-Fancy-Red-diamond-ring-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘The Argyle Phoenix’, Fancy Red diamond ring</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234787155" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magnificent-Fancy-Vivid-Pink-diamond-ring-2-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787155" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magnificent-Fancy-Vivid-Pink-diamond-ring-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magnificent-Fancy-Vivid-Pink-diamond-ring-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magnificent-Fancy-Vivid-Pink-diamond-ring-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magnificent-Fancy-Vivid-Pink-diamond-ring-2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fancy Vivid Pink diamond ring</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234787154" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-2-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787154" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘The Amazon Queen’, Colombian emerald</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



“As our Jewels department experiences continued growth and expansion, we are proud to unveil these exquisite highlights in anticipation of our second Jewels auction in Geneva this May,” Benoît Repellin, worldwide head of jewellery at Phillips, shared in a statement.



Rifle through the catalogue to find the famed, the familiar, and the jewellery houses of note shimmering on the pages, among them Cartier, JAR, Sterlé, Suzanne Belperron, and Van Cleef &amp; Arpels. As relevant today as they were a century ago—and more so in some cases—some of the limited-edition archival pieces are so rare in the market that collectors from around the world are expected to collate in Switzerland this May for a closer look. Several statement pieces in the hands of private collectors, often staying within the family for generations, are finally up for grabs.&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;has zoned in on a selection of sensational lots of great provenance, historical reference, celebrity, and rarity from the catalogue for a teaser of what will be on offer at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/CH060224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geneva Jewels Auction: Two</a>.&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/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-4-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787156" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-4-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-4-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-4-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-4-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-4-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/‘The-Amazon-Queen-Impressive-Colombian-emerald-4.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



One of the star lots of the occasion, the “Amazon Queen,” a&nbsp;280.8-carat Colombian emerald, is said by Phillips to be one of the largest gem-quality emeralds to hit the auction block. For that reason alone, it is expected to fetch up to US$2.6 million (HK$20.3 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="877" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Suzanne-Belperron-Pair-of-sapphire-and-emerald-ear-clips-877x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787157" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Suzanne-Belperron-Pair-of-sapphire-and-emerald-ear-clips-877x1024.jpg 877w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Suzanne-Belperron-Pair-of-sapphire-and-emerald-ear-clips-257x300.jpg 257w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Suzanne-Belperron-Pair-of-sapphire-and-emerald-ear-clips-768x896.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Suzanne-Belperron-Pair-of-sapphire-and-emerald-ear-clips-1316x1536.jpg 1316w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Suzanne-Belperron-Pair-of-sapphire-and-emerald-ear-clips.jpg 1371w" sizes="(max-width: 877px) 100vw, 877px" /></figure>



A chic pair of&nbsp;sapphire and emerald ear clips&nbsp;from&nbsp;Suzanne Belperron&nbsp;is estimated to fetch up to US$50,000 (HK$391,495). Observers with a keen eye will note that this elegant accessory is not signed; Belperron, born at the turn of the century in France, once famously said, “Mon style est ma signature.” (“My style is my signature.”)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="877" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Pair-of-gold-and-diamond-clip-brooches-877x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787116" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Pair-of-gold-and-diamond-clip-brooches-877x1024.jpeg 877w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Pair-of-gold-and-diamond-clip-brooches-257x300.jpeg 257w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Pair-of-gold-and-diamond-clip-brooches-768x896.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Pair-of-gold-and-diamond-clip-brooches-1316x1536.jpeg 1316w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Pair-of-gold-and-diamond-clip-brooches.jpeg 1371w" sizes="(max-width: 877px) 100vw, 877px" /></figure>



A pair of&nbsp;gold and diamond clip brooches&nbsp;from&nbsp;Van Cleef &amp; Arpels, circa 1940, may close at up to US$30,000 (HK$234,900). Made nearly 90 years ago, the classic bejewelled accessories by the historic maison stand the test of time, proving again and again what worthy investments the gorgeous pieces from the acclaimed jewellery house are.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="829" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Diamond-ruby-and-onyx-necklace-829x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787120" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Diamond-ruby-and-onyx-necklace-829x1024.jpg 829w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Diamond-ruby-and-onyx-necklace-243x300.jpg 243w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Diamond-ruby-and-onyx-necklace-768x949.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Diamond-ruby-and-onyx-necklace-1243x1536.jpg 1243w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Diamond-ruby-and-onyx-necklace-1658x2048.jpg 1658w" sizes="(max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px" /></figure>



Ah, there she rests on an onyx stand:&nbsp;Cartier’s famed Panthère motif in repose is festooned with diamonds and rubies, a masterful result of exquisite craftsmanship. As befitting such a regal accessory, this&nbsp;necklace&nbsp;is expected fetch up to US$150,000 (HK$1.1 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="877" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sterle-Diamond-Brooch-877x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787117" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sterle-Diamond-Brooch-877x1024.jpg 877w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sterle-Diamond-Brooch-257x300.jpg 257w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sterle-Diamond-Brooch-768x896.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sterle-Diamond-Brooch-1316x1536.jpg 1316w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sterle-Diamond-Brooch.jpg 1371w" sizes="(max-width: 877px) 100vw, 877px" /></figure>



A 1960s throwback, the&nbsp;Sterlé&nbsp;diamond brooch&nbsp;is a bejewelled flower petal looking for a shoulder to pin on, realised in an elegant shape that is so simple yet so stunning. Interested parties can expect this piece to go for up to US$90,000 (HK$704,685).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="829" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Emerald-and-diamond-pendantbrooch-829x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787119" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Emerald-and-diamond-pendantbrooch-829x1024.jpg 829w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Emerald-and-diamond-pendantbrooch-243x300.jpg 243w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Emerald-and-diamond-pendantbrooch-768x949.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Emerald-and-diamond-pendantbrooch-1243x1536.jpg 1243w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Emerald-and-diamond-pendantbrooch.jpg 1295w" sizes="(max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px" /></figure>



An&nbsp;emerald and diamond pendant&nbsp;that can easily morph into a brooch, this&nbsp;Harry Winston&nbsp;rarity, an artistic gem from the archives, could fetch US$240,000 (HK$1.8 million).



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="877" height="1024" data-id="1234787163" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Necklace-877x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787163" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Necklace-877x1024.jpg 877w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Necklace-257x300.jpg 257w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Necklace-768x896.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Necklace-1316x1536.jpg 1316w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harry-Winston-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Necklace.jpg 1371w" sizes="(max-width: 877px) 100vw, 877px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harry Winston, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="877" height="1024" data-id="1234787161" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-sapphire-and-diamond-earrings-877x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787161" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-sapphire-and-diamond-earrings-877x1024.jpg 877w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-sapphire-and-diamond-earrings-257x300.jpg 257w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-sapphire-and-diamond-earrings-768x896.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-sapphire-and-diamond-earrings-1316x1536.jpg 1316w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-sapphire-and-diamond-earrings.jpg 1371w" sizes="(max-width: 877px) 100vw, 877px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pair of sapphire and diamond earrings</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="829" height="1024" data-id="1234787162" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-Kashmir-sapphire-and-diamond-ear-clips-1-829x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787162" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-Kashmir-sapphire-and-diamond-ear-clips-1-829x1024.jpg 829w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-Kashmir-sapphire-and-diamond-ear-clips-1-243x300.jpg 243w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-Kashmir-sapphire-and-diamond-ear-clips-1-768x949.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-Kashmir-sapphire-and-diamond-ear-clips-1-1243x1536.jpg 1243w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pair-of-Kashmir-sapphire-and-diamond-ear-clips-1.jpg 1295w" sizes="(max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pair of Kashmir sapphire and diamond ear clips</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Sapphire has been an intrinsic part of crown jewels and these three sets have an air of regal imprimatur. A&nbsp;Harry Winston&nbsp;sapphire and diamond necklace, a pair of&nbsp;sapphire and diamond earrings&nbsp;of 15.04 and 13.03 carats, and a pair of&nbsp;Kashmir sapphire and diamond ear clips&nbsp;weighing 2.48 and 2.68 carats are estimated to fetch up to US$260,000 (HK$2 million), US$240,000 (HK$1.8 million), and US$100,000 (HK$783,010), respectively.



For those seeking something new, something pink, and something blue, the a diamond, spinel, and sapphire&nbsp;Fleur de Magnolia brooch&nbsp;from&nbsp;Maison Alix Dumas&nbsp;stands out from&nbsp;Symbols, Colour and Form, a spring selling exhibition of jewels made by contemporary designers to complement the Geneva Jewels Auction: Two. Exhibiting obvious influences of flora and fauna, the sculptural designs secured Dumas, the designer from Brittany, an award in the “Best in Haute Couture” category at the Couture Design Awards in 2023.&nbsp;



All this and so much more is ripe for the picking this coming auction.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/CH060224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Geneva Jewels Auction: Two</a>



Auction Viewing: 8–13 May 2024



Auction: 13 May 2024



Hotel President, Quai Wilson 47, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland



All images courtesy of Phillips.

Cartier

jewellery

Jewellery auction

Phillips Auction

Van Cleef & Arpels

This 280.8-Carat Colombian Emerald Is Estimated to Fetch HK$20.3 Million at Auction

Back with a bang, there was indeed&nbsp;Murder on the Dancefloor&nbsp;as Sophie Ellis-Bextor crooned at Rosewood Hong Kong on the eve of Art Basel Hong Kong. Artists, gallerists, and those in their circles braced themselves ahead of the biggest art event in the city this year. Indeed, the 11th iteration of Art Basel Hong Kong culminated in a strong turnout and significant sales.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-1024x683.jpg" alt="Abstract painting and sculptures at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786729" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hauser &amp; Wirth. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Starting off strong, Hauser &amp; Wirth stole the show by securing the most expensive reported sale, and on the first VIP day of the fair, no less. Willem de Kooning’s&nbsp;Untitled III&nbsp;(1986) sold for a whopping US$9 million (HK$70.4 million). However, the lithograph was not the only multi-million-dollar baby grabbed. Other significant sales included Philip Guston’s&nbsp;The Desire&nbsp;(1978), not far behind at US$8.5 million (HK$66.5 million). George Condo’s&nbsp;Constructed Female Portrait&nbsp;(2024), which sold for over US$2 million (HK$15.6 million). Lynne Drexler’s&nbsp;Plumed Bloom&nbsp;(1967) went for US$1.2 million (HK$9.3 million) at White Cube. Thaddaeus Ropac’s top lot was Tony Cragg’s&nbsp;Incident Solo&nbsp;(2023), sold for €725,000 (HK$6 million).&nbsp;



Mark Bradford’s return to Hong Kong was rewarding—May the Lord be the First One in the Car&#8230;and the Last Out&nbsp;(2023) sold for US$3.5 million (HK$27 million). Notably, Victoria Miro sold three ever-popular Yayoi Kusama pieces for a total of US$11 million (HK$86 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman inspecting an abstract painting at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786736" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-3-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gajah Gallery. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Reports indicate that 75,000 visitors attended Art Basel Hong Kong this year (compared to 86,000 in 2023 and 88,000 in 2019). Not exactly pre-pandemic numbers, but&nbsp;Guernica&nbsp;wasn’t painted in a day, and the coming years can only see a rise in interest, numbers, and relevance.



<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/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="Man viewing sculptural artwork on the wall." class="wp-image-1234786733" style="width:650px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__N-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nanzuka. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



“Art Basel Hong Kong returned to its full scale and spirit this edition, with the city opening its doors to visitors from all around the world once again,” said Angelle Siyang-Le, who directed Art Basel Hong Kong for the second year in a row, in an official statement. “I am deeply grateful to all the galleries, artists, patrons, institutional representatives, and cultural partners whose collaboration delivered a show of world-class range and quality in our home in Hong Kong.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Two visitors viewing hyperrealistic artworks at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786735" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__J-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Johyun Gallery. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



“This edition reflected the city itself to the world: utterly alive and teeming with energy, a meeting place of tradition and the avant-garde, a port of cultures and an essential bridge in the evolving art landscape across regions. Art Basel Hong Kong continues to be a vital anchor in Asia’s ever-growing local art scenes and a key moment in the global art trade calendar.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-1024x683.jpg" alt="Woman viewing sculpture at Art Basel Hong Kong." class="wp-image-1234786740" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Print_approx_21_x_14_cm_ABHK24__Public_Interactions__Galleries__T-9-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tina Keng Gallery. Image courtesy of Art Basel Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Meanwhile, as the curtains close on the 2024 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong, there’s already welcome news in anticipation of next year’s fair. From 2025 onwards, MGM will present a prize for emerging artists under the&nbsp;Discoveries umbrella, Art Basel Hong Kong’s sector for solo presentations by newcomers. The MGM Discoveries Art Prize is designed to foster emerging artists and encourage new talent. Further details will be released later this year.&nbsp;



Until then, watch this space.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="936" data-id="1234786750" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-1024x936.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786750" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-1024x936.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-300x274.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-768x702.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464-1536x1404.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-6464.jpg 1751w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" data-id="1234786752" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786752" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-240x300.jpg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-768x961.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432-1228x1536.jpg 1228w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ab-33432.jpg 1279w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786748" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432990919_10160935823000236_7008708577744902109_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786748" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432990919_10160935823000236_7008708577744902109_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432990919_10160935823000236_7008708577744902109_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432990919_10160935823000236_7008708577744902109_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432990919_10160935823000236_7008708577744902109_n.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786749" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786749" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433462328_10160935822795236_8838527503891715869_n.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786747" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786747" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446707_10160935822080236_3556863214230648387_n.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786751" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786751" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433443002_10160935822575236_3361489241671448162_n.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786754" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786754" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433016293_10160935822370236_106653004018130502_n.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="876" height="1024" data-id="1234786757" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-876x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786757" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-876x1024.jpeg 876w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-257x300.jpeg 257w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-768x898.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n-1314x1536.jpeg 1314w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/432987686_10160935821290236_1470229988291370999_n.jpeg 1369w" sizes="(max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="681" data-id="1234786758" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-1024x681.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786758" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-1536x1022.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433269105_10160935823215236_2810702356681753649_n-2048x1363.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-id="1234786759" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-1024x768.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786759" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433444136_10160935823150236_1350942969073024751_n-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234786760" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433469142_10160935823080236_5813328710347989558_n-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786760" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433469142_10160935823080236_5813328710347989558_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433469142_10160935823080236_5813328710347989558_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433469142_10160935823080236_5813328710347989558_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433469142_10160935823080236_5813328710347989558_n.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234786761" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786761" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433446098_10160935821370236_6942535374267799173_n-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



Above images courtesy of P. Ramakrishnan.

Someone at Twentieth Century Fox finally let go of the infamous floating door from <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/titanic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Titanic</a>—and now it’s garnered six figures at <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auction</a>.



The iconic slab of ship wreckage featured in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/james-cameron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cameron</a>’s 1997 film hammered down for a whopping US$718,750 (HK$5.6 million), according to Heritage Auctions. The company’s <a href="https://www.ha.com/heritage-auctions-press-releases-and-news/treasures-from-planet-hollywood-bring-more-than-15.6-million-in-historic-event-at-heritage-auctions.s?releaseId=4934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treasures From Planet Hollywood </a>event ran from Wednesday through Sunday and the wooden raft that Rose (Kate Winslet) clung to at the end of the movie—sorry, Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio)—was the highest-selling item up for grabs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image_a217b3.webp" alt="Film still from ‘Titanic.’" class="wp-image-1234786659" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image_a217b3.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image_a217b3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image_a217b3-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The wooden door from Titanic sold for US$718,750 (HK$5.6 million) at auction. Image courtesy of CBS/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



With floral accents and scrolling curves, the ornate Louis XV-style movie prop was made to model the HMS Titanic’s design, which came from the minds of ship builder Harland &amp; Wolff. The piece has also drummed up a bit of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1144078509/titanic-movie-door-debate-james-cameron" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">controversy</a> over the years, with many fans arguing that both Rose and Jack could’ve fit on the panel. Plus, as it turns out, the relic isn’t actually a door at all. It’s really “part of the door frame just above the [ship’s] first-class lounge entrance,” according to Heritage Auctions. As if the Internet needed yet another thing to fight over.



There were roughly 1,600 additional mementos also sold at the auction, hammering down for a total of US$15.68 million (HK$122.7 million). The five-day event is one of the highest-grossing <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/hollywood-studios-partnering-with-auctioneers-1234865821/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hollywood auctions </a>in history, second to the Debbie Reynolds auction in 2011, which earned a total of US$22.8 million (HK$178.4 million).



Some of the highlights include Harrison Ford’s whip from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom which fetched an eye-popping US$525,000 (HK$4.1 million) and set a record as the highest-valued prop or costume from the franchise. At the same time, Bill Murray’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/auctions/bill-murray-kingpin-bowling-ball-auction-1235530407/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red-rose bowling ball </a>from Kingpin went for US$350,000 (HK$2.7 million) while Tobey Maguire’s black symbiote suit from Spider-Man 3 sold for US$125,000 (HK$978,270). There were several other pieces of Titanic history on the auction block as well, including Rose’s white chiffon dress (US$118,750 / HK$929,335), the ship’s helm wheel (US$200,000 / HK$1.5 million), and the brass engine order telegraph (US$81,250 / HK$635,860).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/5_f0b9d4-1024x576.webp" alt="A brown prop whip, coiled." class="wp-image-1234786660" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/5_f0b9d4-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/5_f0b9d4-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/5_f0b9d4-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/5_f0b9d4.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The whip from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom went for a whopping US$525,000 (HK$4.1 million). Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions</figcaption></figure>



Per Heritage Auctions, a bidding war broke out over the ax Jack Nicholson used in The Shining (US$125,000 / HK$978,245). Also of interest was the Barbasol can that Wayne Knight used in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park (US$250,000 / HK$1.9 million), along with a blaster that Princess Leia carried in Return of the Jedi (US$150,000 / HK$1.1 million).  



“There were countless bidding wars during the Treasures of Planet Hollywood auction—so many we lost track,” Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage, said in a press statement. “The extraordinary success of this auction proves what I’ve known all along: The interest in and appetite for modern-movie props and costumes—all of which were once displayed in Planet Hollywoods worldwide or part of their legendary archives—is profound, deep, and insatiable.”

Indiana Jones

Planet Hollywood

Props

Titanic

The ‘Titanic’ Door That Could’ve Saved Jack Just Fetched HK$5.6 Million at Auction

Roughly four months after&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nobu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nobu</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/nobu-residences-abu-dhabi-launch-sales-1235422823/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched sales&nbsp;</a>for its first&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/branded-residences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">branded residences</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/abu-dhabi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abu Dhabi</a>, one of the tower’s prized penthouses is already setting records.



A new record for the most expensive&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/penthouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penthouse</a>&nbsp;sold in the city has been set, as a not-yet-built aerie atop Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi sold for a whopping US$37.3 million (HK$291 million). When completed, the ultra-pricey pad will span the entire floor of the residential building and feature three bedrooms, a private swimming pool, a personal wellness retreat and fitness studio, and an expansive terrace with sweeping views of Saadiyat Beach.



“This milestone transaction at Nobu Residences not only sets a new benchmark for residential property in Abu Dhabi but also underscores the maturity of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/real-estate-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real estate</a>&nbsp;market,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, group chief executive officer at real estate developer Aldar. “Year on year, we are seeing healthy increases in both the volume and value of homes purchased, driven by supportive government policies and initiatives that have increased the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a place where people want to live and see real opportunity for investment.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="666" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4249_NOBU_APT_PENTHOUSE_KITCHEN_FINAL_VS.webp" alt="A three-bedroom penthouse atop the forthcoming Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi with views over the ocean." class="wp-image-1234786484" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4249_NOBU_APT_PENTHOUSE_KITCHEN_FINAL_VS.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4249_NOBU_APT_PENTHOUSE_KITCHEN_FINAL_VS-300x195.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4249_NOBU_APT_PENTHOUSE_KITCHEN_FINAL_VS-768x500.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A three-bedroom penthouse atop the forthcoming Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi has set a sales record. Image courtesy of Nobu Residences Penthouse Abu Dhabi/Aldar</figcaption></figure>



Slated to reach completion in 2027, homes in the 88-unit tower will range between one- and three-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom lofts, penthouses, and sky villas. The starting price for the residences was set at AED 7 million (or roughly HK$14 million), and prior to the penthouse sale, a four-bedroom duplex villa was scooped up for a cool US$35.4 million (HK$276 million).



As expected of a premium development, residents will have access to a laundry list of exclusive amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a pool, a movie theatre, and communal gardens. Along with the project’s residential offerings, there will also be a 125-key Nobu hotel, a Nobu restaurant, and a rooftop bar. When all is said and done, the beachfront development will span 12 acres. The project is in proximity to the nearly completed Guggenheim museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry, as well as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Grove, and Mamsha Al Saadiyat.



“Our heartfelt congratulations go out to the team at Aldar and the new residents, and we express our gratitude to everyone involved in achieving this remarkable milestone,” added Trevor Horwell, chief executive officer at Nobu Hospitality.&nbsp;“With an exciting pipeline of locations, spanning from resort destinations to gateway cities, we are excited to be working with world-class developers, including Aldar, as we further expand our brand in the highly sought-after branded residences market.”



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/gallery/nobu-residences-penthouse-photos-1235554083" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of the Nobu Residences penthouse.

abu dhabi

Nobu

Nobu Residences

Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi

A Nobu-Branded Penthouse in Abu Dhabi Sold for a Record-Breaking HK$291 Million

Collaborations between premium spirits brands and notable artists is the theme of the auspicious Year of the Wood Dragon when it comes to limited-edition releases. Johnnie Walker has partnered with Asian-American artist James Jean and Hennessy with Chinese artist Yang Yongliang while Remy Martin’s dragon motif is directly planted onto its bottle as never before—the spirit of the dragon is strong amongst all. Which among them will serve as the latest addition to your spirits collection as we step into a new year?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="678" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Johnnie-Walker-Blue-Label-Year-Of-The-Dragon-Limited-Edition-1024x678.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785094" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Johnnie-Walker-Blue-Label-Year-Of-The-Dragon-Limited-Edition-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Johnnie-Walker-Blue-Label-Year-Of-The-Dragon-Limited-Edition-300x199.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Johnnie-Walker-Blue-Label-Year-Of-The-Dragon-Limited-Edition-768x508.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Johnnie-Walker-Blue-Label-Year-Of-The-Dragon-Limited-Edition-1536x1016.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Johnnie-Walker-Blue-Label-Year-Of-The-Dragon-Limited-Edition-2048x1355.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Johnnie Walker</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Johnnie Walker</h3>



A limited-edition expression of its Blue Label blend, Johnnie Walker has collaborated with Asian-American artist James Jean to design the Year of the Dragon bottle. As Jean drew inspiration from ancient tradition and the mystical symbolism of the Wood Dragon, the result is an exquisitely packaged dram that heady dreams are made of.



“Many consider the dragon the most powerful animal in the Chinese zodiac and the Wood Dragon felt remarkably close to me because of the natural elements prevalent in my own work,” said the artist in an official statement. “Evolved from traditional depictions of Chinese dragons, my dragon is composed of flowers and organic elements, from which emerge tendrils and arcing lines, evoking the idea of roots and connection.”



For Johnnie Walker fans, the “liquid gold inside” the bottle is the same as the core Blue Label, the pinnacle expression in the line-up. Master blender Dr Emma Walker brings to the table a selection of rare casks from parent company Diageo’s many distilleries. According to the brand, just “one in every 10,000 casks make the cut for this expression.” Its tasting notes include spice, vanilla, honey, caramel, hazelnut, and dark chocolate.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY24-Paradis-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785097" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY24-Paradis-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY24-Paradis-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY24-Paradis-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY24-Paradis-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY24-Paradis-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Hennessy</figcaption></figure>



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



With a limited-edition collection inspired by a digital art piece created by visionary Chinese artist Yang Yongliang, take the epic journey of the “Dragon’s Odyssey” with the latest iteration of the famed Cognac. It comes with a golden, circuitous dragon encircling the iconic silhouette of the classic Hennessy bottle; the only mythical creature of the Chinese zodiac finds itself incarnated upon this collector’s release, all fire, claws, and brimstone.



Yongliang combined traditional drawings into a trio of metallic dragons dancing in and out of waves, with a three-dimensional element that enhances the texture of its skin and teeth. Red for luck and gold for prosperity, each bottle holds the aspirations of the new year within it.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Remy-Martin-Photo-XO-CNY-DRAGON-PACKSHOT-WITH-REFLECT-10-1-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785096" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Remy-Martin-Photo-XO-CNY-DRAGON-PACKSHOT-WITH-REFLECT-10-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Remy-Martin-Photo-XO-CNY-DRAGON-PACKSHOT-WITH-REFLECT-10-1-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Remy-Martin-Photo-XO-CNY-DRAGON-PACKSHOT-WITH-REFLECT-10-1-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Remy-Martin-Photo-XO-CNY-DRAGON-PACKSHOT-WITH-REFLECT-10-1-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Remy-Martin-Photo-XO-CNY-DRAGON-PACKSHOT-WITH-REFLECT-10-1-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Rémy Martin</figcaption></figure>



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



Born 300 years ago in the Year of the Dragon, it’s a special kind of anniversary for Rémy Martin. Commemorating three centuries of the house’s history, Rémy Martin honours the dragon’s return with a special Chinese New Year limited-edition collection, celebrating the reunion of the leaping centaur—part of Rémy Martin’s logo since 1870—and the dragon with Rémy Martin XO, Rémy Martin Club, and Rémy Martin VSOP, each released in red and gold packaging. Pairing the golden alchemy of the dragon and centaur, the design brings with it hope and prosperity, and a powerful combination of East and West captured in crystal.



Rémy Martin’s cellar master drew from hundreds of&nbsp;eaux de vie&nbsp;to create three Cognacs of exceptional aromatic complexity; the nose varies from sublimely smooth to intense and aromatic, while the tasting notes feature a wide array of ripe and dried fruits, roasted coffee and cocoa bean flavours, liquorice and gingerbread, and spices.

Chinese New Year

Hennessy

Johnnie Walker

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year 2024

Rémy Martin

Year of the Dragon

Lunar New Year 2024: 3 Luxurious Spirits to Celebrate the Year of the Dragon

It’s a landmark year for The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel. Facing Victoria Park on one side and Victoria Harbour on the other, this well-established city hotel has stood the test of time, reaching its fifth decade, and many celebrations are in the offing to mark its golden year; at top of our list was a dining experience that was written in the (Michelin) stars.



From the rooftop at Skye, The Park Lane Hong Kong’s signature restaurant and rooftop bar, the views are second to none. Come for the panoramas, but do stay for dinner, especially this season, as the new menu has the rustic charm of unpretentious French and floral cuisine.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AMUSE-BOUCHE-1-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785086" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AMUSE-BOUCHE-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AMUSE-BOUCHE-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AMUSE-BOUCHE-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AMUSE-BOUCHE-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amuse-bouche at Skye.</figcaption></figure>



Thierry Drapeau, former two-Michelin-starred chef and current head chef at Signature Bangkok, has collaborated with Skye’s in-house team to create a rosy menu that one rarely experiences in the city, leaning on his “cuisine of the soil” philosophy that emphases farm-to-table dining practices. Not just as garnish or decoration, but part of the flavour profile and texture, we found marigolds and&nbsp;elderflowers&nbsp;blossoming on our plate, and begonias among the saporous and photogenic plating that swung our way time and again, from the busy kitchens to the well-packed, not-a-table-to-spare dining area.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chef-Portrait008-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785085" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chef-Portrait008-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chef-Portrait008-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chef-Portrait008-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chef-Portrait008-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chef-Portrait008-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thierry Drapeau, former two-Michelin-starred chef and current head chef at Signature Bangkok.</figcaption></figure>



Starting off with an&nbsp;amuse-bouche, comprising&nbsp;potimarron&nbsp;(onion squash) and chestnut that we dipped into a bacon emulsion and cosmos, and served with a Lustau Palo Cortado “Península” Solera Reserva sherry wine, the festooned presentation had everyone’s cameras out.&nbsp;And so began our multi-course dinner, featuring a rustic array of the finest and freshest ingredients, sourced locally, that drew on the subtle and delicate notes of edible flowers and herbs. The concentration of flavours and flowers was trippy, but that could have been the curated libations as each plate arrived with a wine glass of generous pour.



Signature dishes came in two options—the sea or farm—in the shape of&nbsp;La Mer, a delicately poached langoustine complemented by the vibrant sweetness of carrot mousseline, miso siphon, and marigolds, and&nbsp;La Terre, a Challans duck with crisp skin, enhanced by braised salsify, cauliflower mousseline, and sauce salmis. Even among table neighbours who tried a bite of each other’s dish, it was difficult to pick a favourite among the two, but the texture and temperature mix of the warm sliver of duck and soft cauliflower mousse made for an interesting bite. In-between, the&nbsp;La Ferme&nbsp;artichoke with black truffle, watercress, and elderflower, and the&nbsp;L’Ocean&nbsp;toothfish with borage showcased delicate preparation skills.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SKYE-interior-window-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785087" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SKYE-interior-window-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SKYE-interior-window-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SKYE-interior-window-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SKYE-interior-window-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SKYE-interior-window-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and Tsim Sha Tsui at Skye.</figcaption></figure>



Mid-bite, the star of the hour,&nbsp;Drapeau, dropped by for a chat, explaining his philosophy to guests, retelling a story of each ingredient’s origin, terroir, and significance to the plate. Drapeau opened his restaurant, Logis de La Chabotterie, in France back in 2004, which went on attain two Michelin stars for nine consecutive years, a formidable achievement. His gastronomic excursions in Asia are the sum of great experience and know-how.



By the time dessert—the&nbsp;“Granny Smith” apple&nbsp;with basil, Isigny cheese, and begonia—arrived at the table in a conical shape upon the plate, all were already chatting about the impression of the night, an experience that perfectly aligns the venue’s contemporary farm-to-table concept with Drapeau’s unique “French and floral” gastronomy.&nbsp;



While the exclusive experience with Drapeau himself took place only on 19 and 20 January during his two-day appearance at The Park Lane Hong Kong, the&nbsp;Cuisine of the Soil menu&nbsp;continues in his absence. For an exploratory meal with a wine pairing that’s also exquisite, book a table at the soonest, as the menu is worth digging into.



<a href="https://www.parklane.com.hk/skye.html?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=FNB_BRD_EN_SKYE_EXA&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg4OB9dz6gwMVGcwWBR27IAu3EAAYASAAEgLJifD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Skye at The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel</a>



27/F, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 2839 3327



All images courtesy of The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel.

Dining

hotel

Pullman Hotel

SKYE

The Park Lane Hong Kong

The Park Lane Hotel

Thierry Drapeau

The Park Lane Hong Kong Presents a New Farm-to-Table Experience With Thierry Drapeau

Soneva’s secret is out—and it’s a new Maldivian resort that redefines the meaning of bespoke luxury. Comprising just 14 beach and overwater villas, <a href="https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-secret-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soneva Secret</a>’s secluded location in Haa Dhaalu, considered the most remote atoll in the Maldives, offers visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature in a private, personalised way.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-Villa-Exterior-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787145" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-Villa-Exterior-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-Villa-Exterior-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-Villa-Exterior-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-Villa-Exterior-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-Villa-Exterior-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soneva Secret comprises just 14 overwater and beach villas.</figcaption></figure>



Guests can choose to stay in an Overwater Hideaway, Beach Hideaway, the Crusoe Villa with a private pool and slide, or the expansive 1,158-square-metre Beach Reserve, spread across two floors and featuring two master bedrooms and two adjoining double bedrooms. Its overwater equivalent, the Crusoe Reserve, is an open-plan retreat with direct lagoon access, retractable roofs, and comfortable living spaces.



Coming later in 2024 is the stunning Castaway floating villa, accessible only by sea. It features a saltwater pool—a Soneva signature—and a curved slide that leads straight to the lagoon, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fitness studio, a spa treatment room, an alfresco dining sala as well as a covered dining room, and a lounge space with a daybed and sunken seating. Soneva bills the two-floor villa as the “first of its kind” in the Maldives, bearing a novel design that renders it “unaffected by wave movements.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234787146" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787146" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Overwater Hideaway.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234787147" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787147" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Overwater Hideaway.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234787148" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-3-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787148" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-3-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-3-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Overwater-Hideaway-3-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Overwater Hideaway.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Soneva’s superlative hospitality takes centre stage at Secret, where bespoke service is perfected through dedicated Barefoot Guardians and Barefoot Assistants. Secret’s platoon of private chefs—14 in total, so one assigned to each villa—takes care of customising culinary experiences, whether it’s dining under the stars, zip-lining to a dining tower for your next meal, or digging your toes into the sand at a firepit dinner. Guests can also explore the chocolate, ice cream, cheese, and charcuterie rooms.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Island-Aerial-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787149" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Island-Aerial-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Island-Aerial-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Island-Aerial-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Island-Aerial-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Island-Aerial-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soneva Secret.</figcaption></figure>



Surrounded by pristine, untouched nature, travellers are well-positioned to immerse themselves in the unique attractions of the Maldives, using Soneva Secret as their adventure base. Swim alongside manta rays, turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, and tropical fish; go on a guided snorkelling expedition with a marine biologist; picnic on a deserted island or private sandbank; or take it easy and tech-free at The Den. Spa and wellness treatments run the gamut from massages to one-to-one yoga sessions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-The-Living-Room-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787150" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-The-Living-Room-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-The-Living-Room-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-The-Living-Room-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-The-Living-Room-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-The-Living-Room-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Living Room at Soneva Secret.</figcaption></figure>



Building upon the hospitality group’s long-standing ethos of eco-conscious luxury and responsible sustainability, the new resort is designed with the environment in mind, constructed of fast-growing natural materials and embedded with open-air spaces for ventilation and temperature control. Renewable energy systems will contribute to keeping carbon emissions low, as per Soneva’s net-zero impact mission.



Circular economy practices are implemented through Soneva Secret’s Waste-to-Wealth centre; what can be upcycled and recycled is diligently taken care of to minimise landfill waste, resulting in, for example, rich compost for the resort’s organic garden. Soneva Secret also produces its own drinking water on the island to do away with plastic, and containers for refillable room amenities are made of glass, ceramic, or eco-friendly bamboo. Even the mosquito traps are friendly to the local ecosystem.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Out-of-this-World-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787151" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Out-of-this-World-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Out-of-this-World-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Out-of-this-World-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Out-of-this-World-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Soneva-Secret-Out-of-this-World-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stargazing at Soneva Secret.</figcaption></figure>



Fly to Soneva Secret via seaplane from Velana International Airport in Malé, or take a one-hour speedboat from the closer Kulhudhuffushi Airport in the Haa Dhaalu atoll.



Soneva already operates two properties in the archipelagic state, <a href="https://www.robbreport.hk/posts/the-best-in-travel-from-banyan-tree-alula-and-alila-kothaifaru-maldives-to-white-desert-echo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best of the Best 2024 honouree Soneva Fushi</a> and Soneva Jani, as well as a private yacht experience through Soneva in Aqua, so travellers can combine visits to multiple resorts in one trip.



Soneva Secret is now open and accepting <a href="https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-secret-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bookings</a>.



All images courtesy of Stevie Mann/Soneva Secret.

Haa Dhaalu

Maldives

Soneva

Soneva Secret

Inside Soneva Secret, the New Ultra-Bespoke Luxury Resort in the Maldives

The future of gaming isn’t a new Fortnite season. It’s a private island dedicated to e-sports.



True Gamers, a UAE-based e-sports network, has revealed plans to build the world’s first e-sports island in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/abu-dhabi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abu Dhabi</a>, <a href="https://hypebeast.com/2024/4/abu-dhabi-true-gamers-worlds-first-esports-island-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hypebeast </a>reported. The groundbreaking project, which is estimated to cost a whopping US$280 million (HK$2.1 billion) will be worth US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) when it’s finished. Upon completion, the development will comprise a luxury resort, tournament venues, and training facilities. 



According to a report by <a href="https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/drivers-of-global-gaming-industry-growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BCG</a>, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/middle-east/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Middle East</a> continues to be a growing—and leading—market for gamers. In fact, over 60 per cent of the region’s population are gaming enthusiasts. At the same time, the Middle East has one of the highest shares of gaming mobile app downloads in the world.



“True Gamers conducted a comprehensive market analysis of the MENA region’s e-sports landscape and the global e-sports industry’s growth trajectory before developing plans for the e-sports island,” explained True Gamers CEO and co-founder Anton Vasilenko in a statement on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5R9Bb6SWYy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=b81c4631-f947-4d28-888f-45363b50be5d&amp;img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram page</a>. “This in-depth analysis gives us confidence that the proposed business model will be instrumental in bringing eSports Island to life.”



Per the proposal, the island will be positioned along the picturesque Al Raha beach in between the ritzy Al Bandar and Al Dana developments. On one side will be GG Resort, a 200-room hotel with gaming computers, a spa, and a swimming pool. In the middle will be GG Bootcamp, a professional training facility decked out with high-performance PCs, rest areas to relax or sleep in between sessions, and analytical tools to collect data. Next door will be TG Arena where tournaments, conferences, and exhibitions will be held. The arena will feature a streaming area for content creators and will be able to accommodate console and PC gamers. The island will also offer balanced nutrition programmes so that players won’t have to think twice about their diet. 



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“At True Gamers, our top priority is fostering a thriving e-sports culture,” Vlad Belyanin, CPO and co-founder of True Gamers said in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5R8d8nS_aq/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a statement</a>. “We constantly seek innovative trends and opportunities to elevate the gaming experience for everyone—from casual players to professional athletes. We’re grateful to the participating teams for their invaluable insights. We believe eSports Island will be a groundbreaking achievement in the entertainment industry, offering guests the perfect blend of relaxation and exceptional competitive gaming.”

eSports Island

True Gamers

Abu Dhabi Will Build a HK$7.8 Billion Island Dedicated to Gaming

At a time when responsible and sustainable dining—popularly a realm dominated by plant-based cuisine—is the topic on everyone’s lips, Dario Cecchini, the eighth-generation Italian butcher behind Carna, firmly believes that meat still deserves a seat at the table.



“My menu at Carna is how I explain how to be responsible carnivores and how to give thanks for the sacrifice,” he tells Robb Report Hong Kong shortly after the opening of his new restaurant at <a href="https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/hong-kong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mondrian Hong Kong</a>. For Cecchini, the future of food means looking to the past, delving into generations of butcher’s traditions passed down through his ancestors. One of the most important lessons he’s been taught is to make sure “the animals have a good life, good space, good food, a dignified death, and that every part is used well, from nose to tail.”



If his name sounds familiar, it’s probably because Cecchini’s charismatic personality is hard to forget. Hailing from Panzano in Tuscany, the experienced butcher has been immortalised on the Chef’s Table television series for his unique story and dining philosophy, but he made headlines long before that when he staged a mock funeral in his hometown in the early 2000s to honour the Fiorentina T-bone steak following a ban due to mad cow disease. Suffice it to say, Cecchini knows how to put on a dinner and a show.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-7-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787000" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-7-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-7-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-7-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-7-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-7.jpeg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jure Ursic Photography</figcaption></figure>



Inheriting a 250-plus-year-old family business is a daunting task, especially for Cecchini, who had wanted to become a veterinarian before his father’s illness rendered the son heir to the butcher shop. It was a steep uphill climb to learn the tricks of the trade, and the path was marred by trials and tribulations. Eventually, through a shifting of mindset and gleaning wisdom from those who had worked closely with his father, Cecchini learnt to embrace that being a butcher is not just about cutting meat; it means honouring the gift of the animal.



His latest establishment, Carna, is far from a classic steakhouse. Carna is a butcher’s project, Cecchini declares proudly, referring to the restaurant as a “whole-cow house,” based on the idea that the sacrifice of the animal is made more respectful and sustainable. One of his goals is to provide an educational experience, guiding diners away from the misconception that “the only cuts worth eating are steaks and fillet,” so nose-to-tail dining can be embraced in its entirety. “Meat is my job. I try to prepare every cut so that it is delicious to the fullest.”



Familiar cuts such as the porterhouse, chuck flap, flat iron, tenderloin, rib-eye, striploin, and more are well-represented on the menu, and make up just a few of the 18 different parts of the cow that are available to taste at Carna, using cattle sourced from Italy, Australia, the US, Japan, and Ireland. Soon, Cecchini hopes, the meat that is sold in his Antica Macelleria Cecchini butcher shop in Panzano will also be served at Carna, as their cows are something special indeed, “bred roaming free in the Pyrénées National Park, by the only family that has had permission from the king of Spain to raise cattle in a national park for 150 years.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234787003" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-10-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787003" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-10-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-10-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-10-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-10-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-10.jpeg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Polpette Ripiene Di Midollo</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234787004" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-11-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787004" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-11-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-11-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-11-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-11-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-11.jpeg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vitello Tonnato</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234787001" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-8-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787001" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-8-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-8-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-8-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-8-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-8.jpeg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234787002" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-9-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787002" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-9-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-9-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-9-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-9-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-9.jpeg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bellini dessert</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Diners can sample Carna’s take on the classic bistecca alla Fiorentina, a signature of the Tuscan region, alongside plates such as the Chianti tartare made with beef rump, and the flavoursome brodo di manzo con ravioli del plin, a double-boiled beef tail soup with beef ravioli and porcini mushroom, which follows Cecchini’s zero-waste concept of using all animal parts.



Daniele Milliani is the “fantastic executive chef” pegged by Cecchini to carry out his vision. He is not only a Tuscan native, but hails from a neighbouring town less than 20 kilometres from Panzano, and has spent time working with Cecchini at this butcher’s shop, as well as honing his skills internationally. “Daniele is like a son to me. He understands my philosophy,” says Cecchini. “A butcher knows the alphabet of meat. A chef with that alphabet can write poetry.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-12-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787005" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-12-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-12-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-12-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-12-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-12-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Burrata E Pomodoro Cimelio</figcaption></figure>



Under their joint direction, the menu is peppered with rustic Italian dishes; the polpette ripiene di midollo deep-fried meatballs in bone marrow and orange sauce and salsiccia alla griglia charcoal-grilled beef and pork sausage are just a few creations rarely seen in Hong Kong. Dishes with personal history grace the menu, too—the insalata di tenerumi, a warm salad of beef shin, carrot, celery, onion, and salsa verde, is a recipe is based on the boiled beef knees Cecchini’s grandmother used to make for him, served with raw vegetables.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-6-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786999" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-6-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-6-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-6-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-6-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-6-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Signature Cocktail Carna</figcaption></figure>



Coming from the Chianti region, the wine and beverage programme must be an appropriately excellent complement to the food, and Cecchini is not short on choices. “We come from the Chianti Classico wine region, where a very high quality of red wine is traditional. Watch for the Fontodi Chianti Classico, or the Molino di Grace Chianti Classico, both from our tiny village of Panzano.” Carna also extends its “no-waste” approach to cocktails—try the Carna beef-fat-washed bourbon with salted maple syrup and cumin bitters.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234786995" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-3-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786995" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-3-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-3-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-3-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234786997" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-4-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786997" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-4-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-4-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-4-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-4-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-4-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234786996" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-5-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786996" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-5-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-5-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Carna-by-Dario-Cecchini-5-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



A theatrical opera of carnivorous eating deserves an equally reverential stage. As with much of her studio’s work, Joyce Wang’s inimitable fingerprints can be keenly felt in the deeply sumptuous interior design of Carna, a space of stained-glass murals and recessed ceilings that feels more like a place of worship than a restaurant. Marbled ceilings, curved posts, velvet banquettes, and panelled walls give the impression of walking into a cave of wonders. At the far end, the restaurant opens up to floor-to-ceiling views of the Victoria Harbour.



Balancing a meat-centric restaurant with a sustainability ethos will certainly have some people raising their eyebrows, but Cecchini believes that the concept works as long as he uses all viable parts of the animal in order to eliminate waste. He sees a kindred spirit in the way Hong Kong cuisine is prepared, drawing similarities between the local style of ingredient preparation and his own traditional nose-to-tail dining practices. “I have always really liked the Hong Kong philosophy of using everything well—no waste. It is an extremely deep-rooted tradition here, and therefore I find our parallel philosophies to be like sisters.”



In his professional opinion, Cecchini believes there is no best cut of meat. “Every part, if prepared well, from an animal that has lived [a good life], can be equally delicious.”



<a href="https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/hong-kong/carna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carna by Dario Cecchini</a>



39/F, Mondrian Hong Kong, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 3550 0339



All images courtesy of Carna by Dario Cecchini.

Carna

Carna by Dario Cecchini

Dario Cecchini

Mondrian Hong Kong

Nose-to-Tail Dining

Steakhouse

Inside Carna by Dario Cecchini, the Italian Butcher’s Nose-to-Tail Steakhouse Concept

Your next luxe getaway is about to come with an even heftier price tag.



Despite lower inflation, the luxury <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel</a> industry has continued to see rates skyrocket post-Covid, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/01/why-is-luxury-travel-so-expensive-high-prices-arent-curbing-demand.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC Travel</a> reported. Average daily rates across the sector peaked this year and were 70 per cent higher than in 2019, according to data from Virtuoso. However, these types of exclusive trips are only getting more expensive thanks to a spike in labour costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic—as well as wealthy travellers’ ability to pay the increasing prices.



“They want something exclusive&#8230; and these companies are going to capitalise on it while they can,” Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group, told CNBC Travel. 



This upcoming July lays claim to the highest rate, in an 85 per cent increase from July 2019, according to a Virtuoso representative. It’s not just hotels that are reporting price hikes, either. The cost—and demand—of <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/inside-rocky-mountaineer-first-passage-to-the-west-1234841156/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">train trips</a> and other elevated experiences has also escalated.



In fact, rates for Accor’s forthcoming La Dolce Vita Orient-Express itinerary climbed 75 per cent in just 16 months, the outlet reported. For context, prices for the one-night journey, which kicks off in Italy in spring 2025, jumped from €2,000 (or about HK$16,980) per person to a whopping €3,500 per person (about HK$29,715) as of last month. Similarly, CNBC Travel found that rates for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/belmond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a>’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express rose to £7,060 (HK$69,945) in March. 



Even so, affluent individuals aren’t letting costs get in the way of their plans. “The luxury boom continues despite the flatlining economic activity in some major developed markets,” Dave Goodger, managing director at Tourism Economics, told CNBC Travel. “This has come as some travellers have traded up for more luxury experiences. It also reflects the fact that income and wealth levels, including accumulated savings, remain healthy for higher net wealth households.” 



According to Virtuoso’s <a href="https://www.virtuoso.com/getmedia/90c4929f-3d17-4bf2-ae87-4fad8dc38a52/2024-Luxe-Report-Global-Release_FINAL.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 Luxe Report</a>, more than half of the advisors that the platform surveyed expect travel demand and the amount per trip to continue to increase this year. So where are all the well-heeled travellers headed? Turns out, they’re all for exploring far-flung destinations and less-visited locales, including <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/japan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japan</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/iceland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iceland</a>, Norway, Croatia, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>, and Portugal, to name a few. Of course, as Paris gears up to host the <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/snoop-dogg-commentator-paris-olympics-1235460897/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Olympics</a>, the City of Lights has also topped a lot of people’s lists.

Inflation

Luxury Travel

train travel

Wealthy Travellers

Wealthy Travellers Are Fuelling a Surge in Luxury Hotel Prices

Have we seen the last of the Lunar New Year launches? Over the past few weeks, there have been <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/lunar-new-year-2024-7-menswear-accessories-collections-celebrating-the-dragon-motif" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capsule collections</a> from leading brands, special-edition <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/lunar-new-year-2024-7-luxury-watches-to-celebrate-the-year-of-the-dragon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watches</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/lunar-new-year-2024-3-luxurious-spirits-to-celebrate-the-year-of-the-dragon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bottles</a>, and dragon-motif <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/lunar-new-year-2024-7-jewellery-pieces-to-usher-in-the-year-of-the-dragon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jewellery</a>, but a dragon-inspired car did not cross our minds. Now, zooming into focus, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake, a Range Rover to celebrate the Year of the Dragon has been poised and parked in the region—and we just had to check it out.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_Front-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785589" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_Front-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_Front-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_Front-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_Front-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_Front-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Overfinch, the Range Rover enhancement specialist, has launched “<a href="https://www.overfinch.com/commission-your-overfinch/the-dragon-edition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dragon Edition</a>,” a limited series of just eight bespoke enhancement-packed cars, “each embodying the ultimate symbol of power and prosperity.” As part of a suite of unique detailing and design aspects that have been carved into the dashboard, headrest, and other parts of the car’s exquisitely appointed interiors, the emblematic image of the zodiac dragon is gorgeously etched throughout the commemorative models in a sophisticated and elegant manner. 



“The Dragon Edition raises the bar for bespoke automotive luxury,” says Kevin Sloane, chairman and CEO of Overfinch, in an official statement. “It’s an incredible showcase of art and craftsmanship. This was a creatively ambitious project, conceived and executed to exacting standards.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_CentreConsole-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785587" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_CentreConsole-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_CentreConsole-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_CentreConsole-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_CentreConsole-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overfinch_Int_CentreConsole-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



A year in the making, the modifications to the Range Rover are remarkable. Keeping in mind Chinese cultural riches and diversity, The Dragon Edition has been developed exclusively in the region for the 2024 Range Rover model, specifically the SV and Autobiography derivatives. Hone in on the dragon motif in the multi-coloured embroidery detailing in the leather accessories, gear selector, veneer, and limited-edition badging on the front centre console. Keeping with the theme, the custom red-and-black colour scheme is resplendent throughout the plush, comfortable interiors. The perforated dragon-scale patterning on the driver’s and side-passenger’s seat is a nice touch, and the tactile aspects of the cabin have not been neglected. Furthermore, the mystical theme is extended to illuminated treadplates on each door sill, the carbon-fibre styling for Range Rover, and its commemorative badging. Whether in rest or motion, the swish and swag of the car is hard to miss.



“Our ability to discuss details of the design directly with our clients, and really understand their true significance, was hugely important,” comments Sloane, pointing out the various aspects that make this vehicle enhancement package unique. “Whilst paying homage to 2024 being the Year of the Dragon, we wanted to retain our commitment to uninhibited creative exploration. This required us to respectfully adopt a timeless symbol of China and Chinese culture into a considered and imaginative design.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FRONT-3Q-EXT-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785588" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FRONT-3Q-EXT-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FRONT-3Q-EXT-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FRONT-3Q-EXT-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FRONT-3Q-EXT-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FRONT-3Q-EXT-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Since the 1970s, Overfinch has been in the market making bespoke enhancements and upgrades to Range Rovers the world over. A happy marriage of luxury and individuality, Overfinch cars and vehicles have distinguished themselves through a range of elegant beautifications, be it for a billionaire on the desert dunes or a celebrity arriving in red-carpet style. Now, the latest Dragon Edition is offered as a conversion programme for existing Range Rover owners and is priced at US$250,000 (HK$1.95 million).



All images courtesy of Overfinch.

Limited Edition

Range Rover

special edition

You Can Now Get a Limited-Edition Year of the Dragon Mod For Your Range Rover 

The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audi</a> RS 6 Avant was a participant in our <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2022-robb-report-car-of-the-year-1234659382/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 Robb Report Car of the Year contest</a>. I loved that car, and wrote at the time, “Really, a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-911-marques-last-internal-combustion-engine-model-1234872673/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">911</a> and an RS 6 are the only two cars one needs. The only thing the Audi doesn’t do is attract attention.” I still believe that these would be the perfect brace of cars to fill a two-car garage, but the difference today is that the RS 6 Avant GT will attract a lot of attention.



This year celebrates the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport, the automaker’s racing and performance division that has brought so many great cars to the track—and the market, such as the iconic RS4. The most recent is the RS 6 Avant GT, the most potent arrow in Audi’s quiver and the final model in the RS 6 Avant lineage, the fourth series of which was launched in 2019. Reasonable observers would recognise it as a station wagon, albeit one with a pronounced purpose and lots of un-wagon-like attributes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-w-A237097_large_b9b1a2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785338" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-w-A237097_large_b9b1a2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-w-A237097_large_b9b1a2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-w-A237097_large_b9b1a2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-w-A237097_large_b9b1a2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The limited-edition 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant GT. Image courtesy of Audi AG</figcaption></figure>



It’s a car long-awaited by wagon enthusiasts around the world, but if you think chasing one down on the road will be a challenge, try chasing one down in the showroom. <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/audi-all-factories-build-evs-1234787424/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audi</a> plans to build only 660 examples for the model year 2025, and of these, a mere 85 are coming to the United States, while just seven will trickle into Canada. It would seem as if North America were getting the short end of the stick, and that’s the bad news. But as the acquisition of many cars remains hypothetical, one can at least revel in the notion that, with its RS 6 Avant GT, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/audis-lfuturistic-activesphere-suv-truck-concept-1234800898/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audi</a> will have arguably built the most impressive series-production wagon in history.



Under the carbon-fibre hood is the most powerful engine of any series-production Audi ever made. A 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V-8, it’s rated at 621 hp and 627 ft lbs of torque, up from 591 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque delivered by the 2019 iteration. Top speed, while academic except on a very empty Autobahn, is 190 mph, and the car is claimed to cover zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Audi engineers have had some fun fettling the underpinnings of the GT, which, with all the ministrations of carbon fibre, carbon-ceramic brakes, and whatnot, loses a mere 33 pounds and weighs in at a still substantial 4,565 pounds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-w-A237164_large_684ebc-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785337" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-w-A237164_large_684ebc-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-w-A237164_large_684ebc-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-w-A237164_large_684ebc-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-w-A237164_large_684ebc.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The combination of the model’s 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V-8 and eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox allows the car to cover zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Image courtesy of Audi AG</figcaption></figure>



The suspension received much attention, and is a manually adjustable coil-over setup that rides 10 mm lower than typical but has been designed to maintain a comfortable ride for daily driving. Continental Sport Contact 7 tires, designed for the GT, perform in wet as well as dry conditions. Shifting through Audi’s standard eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, you’ll discover that the driveline features an updated Quattro Sport differential (every RS is AWD, after all) that has been recalibrated for more rear-wheel bias, adding precision and fun to the handling equation.



The exterior design, inspired by Audi’s RS 6 GTO concept, is raw and muscular. The fenders recall the original IMSA Audi 90 GTO, one of the wildest and most aggressive-looking racing sedans ever created. A wide, flat grille and gaping air intakes come on strong, while a huge, double rear wing—mounted topside—and a lower diffusor take up the rear. And the carbon-fibre hood—a first for an Audi—reveals its make-up with exposed sections of woven composite.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3-w-A237109_large_fbf650-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785336" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3-w-A237109_large_fbf650-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3-w-A237109_large_fbf650-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3-w-A237109_large_fbf650-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3-w-A237109_large_fbf650.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The front seats are carbon buckets stitched with Audi’s honeycomb pattern, and the centre console bears a plaque with the individual number of the car from the series. Image courtesy of Audi AG</figcaption></figure>



The roof is smooth, eschewing roof rails for a clean and aerodynamic look. Outlets at the rear of the carbon-fibre front fenders exhaust air and draw even further attention to the GT’s most obvious fashion accessory: 22-inch rims with six funnel spokes—an homage to Audi’s recognisable motorsport design. These are available in gloss white or black, or matte black, complementing the available graphics packages that are straight out of central casting for the IMSA Audi 90 GTO. For anyone not paying attention, special badging front and rear identifies this as a very special RS 6, indeed. Available colours are Arkona White, Nardo Grey, Chronos Grey Metallic, Madeira Brown Metallic, and Mythos Black Metallic. And the Arkona White, Nardo Grey, and Mythos Black Metallic finishes are available with wild graphics packages that combine the traditional colours of Audi Sport.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-w-A237106_large-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785335" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-w-A237106_large-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-w-A237106_large-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-w-A237106_large-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-w-A237106_large.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 2025 RS 6 Avant GT rides on 22-inch rims with six funnel spokes—an homage to Audi’s recognisable motorsport design. Image courtesy of Audi AG</figcaption></figure>



The interior is typical, tasteful Audi, a blessed respite from disco-fantasy light shows popular with other German marques. The front seats are carbon buckets stitched with Audi’s honeycomb pattern, and the centre console bears a plaque with the individual number of the car from the series of 660. Behind the front seats is nearly 60 cubic feet of interior volume (with the rear seats folded flat), proof that performance and practicality are not mutually exclusive concepts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5-w-A237166_large_14791f-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785334" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5-w-A237166_large_14791f-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5-w-A237166_large_14791f-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5-w-A237166_large_14791f-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5-w-A237166_large_14791f.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Deliveries of the model begin during the second quarter of this year. Image courtesy of Audi AG</figcaption></figure>



Unlike the previous RS 6 Avant, which was built entirely at the Neckarsulm factory, partially assembled GTs are sent to a special line at Böllinger Höfe after body construction, painting, and general assembly. This facility, equipped for small-series production, allows final assembly by hand at three stations and by just seven technicians. The stateside MSRP is yet to be announced, though it will likely be around US$220,000 (HK$1.7 million), which is an irrelevant figure given the assured dealer markups. Delivery begins during the second quarter of this year. If you can get your hands on one—you can have it all. The rest of us can dream.

audi

Audi RS 6 Avant GT

Station Wagon

Audi’s Newest RS 6 Station Wagon Is Now Its Most Powerful Production Car

It’s taken a decade but the final <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/lamborghini-huracans-ranked-1235563169/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-lamborghini-huracan-sterrato-1234844349/"> Huracán</a> is here.



The Italian supercar specialists unveiled the swansong for the long-running model on Tuesday, the one-of-10 Super Trofeo Jota (STJ). The racing-inspired variant doesn’t just mark the end of the line for the Huracán—its hybrid successor is expected to debut later this year—it’s also set to be the marque’s last supercar solely powered by a naturally aspirated V-10.



The final Huracàn is based on the rear-wheel-drive <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-lamborghinis-huracan-sto-1234648486/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Trofeo Omologata</a> (STO) from 2020. As such, the two models are quite similar. The difference is that the newer car has a revised aero kit that includes new carbon-fibre flicks up front and a rear wing with an increased angle of three degrees. Those may sound like minuscule changes—and it will take a well-trained eye to even spot the differences—but <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lamborghini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini</a> says they increased downforce by 10 per cent and shaved a full second off the vehicle’s lap time at the Nardò Technical Center Handling Track. The car also wears 20-inch single-nut rims wrapped in model-specific Bridgestone Potenza Race tires. The car comes with two motorsports-style liveries—Blu Eliadi with red and white details (which can be seen above) and Grigio Telesto grey with red and white details.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj03.webp" alt="A close up of the Lamborghini Huracán STJ’s new revised front end." class="wp-image-1234787208" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj03.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj03-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj03-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lamborghini Huracán STJ. Image courtesy of Lamborghini</figcaption></figure>



Unfortunately, the STJ’s powertrain isn’t any more powerful than that of its predecessor. The naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V-10 produces 631 hp and 417 ft lbs of torque, which is routed to the rear axle once again by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The STJ does come with some new mechanical hardware, though. The chief upgrade is a set of four-way shock absorbers at each wheel. The setup has been designed to improve grip and reduce spring stiffness without compromising control.



Performance figures weren’t provided but the STO can go from zero to 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds and had a top speed of 192 mph. Because of the tweaks to its body and suspension, it’s likely the STJ can better at least one of those numbers, if not both.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj02.webp" alt="A rear 3/4 view of the Lamborghini Huracán STJ." class="wp-image-1234787209" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj02.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj02-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stj02-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lamborghini Huracán STJ. Image courtesy of Lamborghini</figcaption></figure>



The biggest difference between the Super Trofeo models is one of availability. Lamborghini is reported to have built as many as 2,000 examples of the STO, whereas it only plans to build 10 examples of the STJ. You’re out of luck if you haven’t already put your name down for one, because the entire Huracán production line <a href="https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a43863197/lamborghini-huracan-sold-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been sold out since last spring</a>. That’s likely why the brand hasn’t said how much the STJ will cost, but we imagine it comes in north of the STO’s US$327,838 (HK$2.5 million) starting price.

Huracan

Lamborghini

V-10 Huracan

Meet the Last V-10 Lamborghini Huracán

Last autumn, Robb Report Hong Kong got wind from former professional racing drivers Dan Wells and Oscar Lee that they had teamed up to create Drivers Lab in Dubai, a hyper-realistic racing simulation centre like no other. It seemed like a fine idea, but haven’t we seen similar simulation services before? Upon launch, however, it became clear that Wells and Lee were onto a winner, as an influx of professional race-car drivers flocked to Drivers Lab, heaping positive feedback. Our attention raced all the way there, too, to see what the noise was all about.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-29-at-15.52.16-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787079" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-29-at-15.52.16-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-29-at-15.52.16-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-29-at-15.52.16-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-29-at-15.52.16-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-29-at-15.52.16-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Drivers Lab co-founders Dan Wells and Oscar Lee.</figcaption></figure>



“We have had a long list of drivers come through the door since we’ve opened—GB3 winner John Bennett, LMP2 winners Colin Braun, Malthe Jakobsen, and George Kurtz, and Formula 4 podium finisher Reza Seeworuthun,” says Dan Wells, co-founder of Drivers Lab and seasoned driver who has got the Macau Grand Prix, British Formula 3 Championship, British Formula Renault Championship, and the Asian Formula Renault Championship under his belt.



Motor enthusiasts have taken to—and praised—this immersive experience, which offers a realistic 182-degree panoramic projection-room simulator with 55-inch monitors, featuring a real composite chassis, as well as the tactile feel, power, and strength of a real race car. It is virtual reality to the nth degree of what a professional driver really goes through, including a factory-grade engineering room for driver debriefs at the end of a circuit.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/john-bennett-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787084" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/john-bennett-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/john-bennett-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/john-bennett-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/john-bennett-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/john-bennett-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">GB3 winner John Bennett testing out the driving simulator.</figcaption></figure>



“Generally, the best outcome when guests drive the simulator is when they get out, say nothing in particular about the simulator unless asked, and go straight to work in the engineering room to work on their driving,” says Wells. “This is the biggest compliment because it means they are straight away working on their driving as they would in the real world. In fact, many pro racers often have their own simulators used as conditioning exercises, second only to being on track.”



“We specialise in one-to-one driver coaching and simulator sales, as well as offer direct motorsport integration through our well-established network of race teams, drivers, engineers, team principles, and more,” says CEO and co-founder Oscar Lee, himself a racing driver of note,&nbsp;having proved himself in several competitive arenas, including Chinese F4, Asian Formula Renault, China GT4, and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series in both Asia and Europe.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reza-Seewooruthun-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787083" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reza-Seewooruthun-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reza-Seewooruthun-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reza-Seewooruthun-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reza-Seewooruthun-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reza-Seewooruthun-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Formula 4 podium finisher Reza Seeworuthun in the driving simulator.</figcaption></figure>



With state-of-the-art equipment and trained engineers, Drivers Lab is not only for professional drivers but all motorheads looking for bespoke simulator experience and unparalleled facilities, whether to get a feel for the thrill of a race or trying to accelerate their skillset.



Located in the heart of Motor City, Dubai, Drivers Lab is near a professional racetrack, permitting drivers and teams the most convenient access to its wide range of facilities, with plans to open in the UK, US, Malaysia, and other destinations in Asia teeming with Formula 1 fans.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="685" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lando-Norris-685x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787081" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lando-Norris-685x1024.jpeg 685w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lando-Norris-201x300.jpeg 201w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lando-Norris-768x1148.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lando-Norris.jpeg 930w" sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lando Norris using a driving simulator to fine-tune his skills.</figcaption></figure>



“Our simulators are of the highest accuracy, so the feel of the brake, the steering, and how everything has been fine-tuned ensures that it is as close to a ‘digital clone’ of the real-life experience as possible; this is why Formula 1 drivers such as Lando Norris utilise our simulators to develop and hone their skills,” Wells affirms. “Our Formula 4 car and Formula Regional cars are within two-tenths of a second of the real-life lap time, and within one kph around the whole lap. We have to ensure that the correct techniques are taught, hence why we fine-tune constantly with updated data and video from the real world.”



Even the brightest sparks on the circuit have given it a go. “Kai Daryanani started racing in January 2023 against the best junior drivers in the world, who had been racing for nearly 10 years. Kai took his first win in the reverse grid race at Brands Hatch GP Circuit in September 2023, followed it up with podiums in Southeast Asia&nbsp;Formula 4, and is currently setting extremely competitive lap times in testing for British Formula 4 this year. He has used Drivers Lab extensively—none more so than between Round 1 and Round 2 of the UAE&nbsp;Formula 4&nbsp;Championship in January of this year, where he found four-tenths of a second in the simulator, which correlated exactly on the track the following weekend, which saw him finish P9 of 35 drivers,” says Wells. “My co-founder, Oscar Lee, started racing in 2017 and utilised our simulators and coaching extensively; he credits his Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia 2023 Championship success to our simulators and driver development programmes.”



Specialising in bespoke racing simulation coaching sessions, simulator sales, and end-to-end motorsport services, Drivers Lab helps its clients achieve the targets they desire. It isn’t just a “boys and their toys” section, either—Wells informs that women have also been keeping track, as “the advent of the Netflix show&nbsp;Drive to Survive&nbsp;has seen a huge influx of women into the sport—we are seeing it in Formula 1 and further down the ladder, where we will this year have four female drivers in British Formula 4 alone. From a driver ratio perspective, the majority of our clients have been men, but there are quite a few women out there who absolutely love the thrill of driving the simulator and it is so good to see the enjoyment they get from it.”



<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/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-02-29-at-15.06.44-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787080" style="width:650px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-02-29-at-15.06.44-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-02-29-at-15.06.44-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-02-29-at-15.06.44-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-02-29-at-15.06.44-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-02-29-at-15.06.44-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The immersive experience at Drivers Lab, Dubai.</figcaption></figure>



For a beginner, Drivers Lab recommends jumping into the “Lap of the Month” challenge: 15 minutes in a modern Formula 1 car around the best circuit hosting Formula 1 that month, with a goal to set a time to win a personalised coaching session to enhance your skills.&nbsp;“We also offer solutions for simulator acquisition, installation, and service through our partners at Cool Performance and Pro-Sim, and annual memberships, half-day, 90-minute, and hourly rentals for chassis simulator rooms, as well as corporate and private event rentals,” says Lee.



Everyone in motorsport is looking for an edge, to improve their performance. Drivers Lab presents a solution-focused way for drivers to train, or for engineers to refine a car setup in a cost-effective manner. “We see now in Formula 1 that the simulator is basically running non-stop, especially on race weekends where the sim driver and the engineers will be trying to find solutions for the real world. And we do see in real-world Formula 1 that real-world testing is so limited these days due to cost caps so the simulator is the only option,” the co-founders share. “It will continue to be a trend. An investment in a simulator is a valid tool for a driver or a team to take advantage of the performance gains available while also being better for the environment.”



Make a booking through <a href="https://www.drivers-lab.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drivers-lab.com</a> or<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drivers.lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> @drivers.lab</a>.



All images courtesy of Drivers Lab.

cars

Drivers Lab

Dubai

Formula 1

Racing

simulators

This Ultra-Realistic Driving Simulation Centre in Dubai Will Get You Ready For Formula 1 Racing

A second chance to buy one of the most coveted and controversial Lamborghinis in recent memory is almost upon us.



RM Sotheby’s will auction off a barely touched&nbsp;<a href="https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mc24/monaco/lots/r0097-2022-lamborghini-countach-lpi-800-4/1473479" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">2022 Countach LPI 800-4</a>&nbsp;next month in Monaco. This example of the hybrid tribute to the Italian marque’s most iconic model is also one of just five finished in Luci del Bosco.



Back in the summer of 2021, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lamborghini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini</a> announced plans to bring back the legendary Countach as a limited-run hybrid that would cost US$2.64 million (HK$20.6 million). For every enthusiast excited about the return of the wedge-shaped supercar, there were those who were disappointed that the brand was making such a big deal about what was basically a re-bodied Aventador. This grumbling wasn’t enough to put off aficionados and collectors, though. Within a week of its unveiling, all 112 planned examples of the nü-Countaches were spoken already for.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800403-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787041" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800403-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800403-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800403-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800403.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. Image courtesy of Keno Zache/RM Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



The example of the car is one of only five that left Sant’Agata Bolognese in Luci del Bosco. The metallic brown has been appearing on the company’s car since the 1970s and helps bring out the Countach LPI 800–4’s sharp lines and dramatic aerodynamic elements. It’s also a very good match for the car’s gold rims. Of the quintet, this is the only one that pairs its base colour with a Bianco Leda interior that features Nero Ade accents and bronze contrast stitching.



The Countach LPI 800-4 features the same powertrain as the Sián FKP 37, another high-priced model based on the Aventador. The setup pairs a longitudinally positioned naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V-12 with a 48-volt electrical motor that combines to produce over 800 horses. Thanks to that, the car can rocket from zero to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 221 mph. This example, which was originally delivered to Germany, is as close to brand-new as you’re going to find, too, with less than 62 miles on the odometer.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800402-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787040" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800402-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800402-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800402-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lpi800402.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Countach LPI 800-4. Image courtesy of Keno Zache/RM Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



If you missed out on the Countach LPI 800-4, you’ll get your second chance at the car on Saturday, 11 May, during RM Sotheby’s annual Monaco sale. The auction house expects the car to go for between US$2 million and US$2.5 million (HK$15.6 million and HK$19.5 million), which some might call a bargain for the hybrid supercar.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/the-luci-del-bosco-2002-lamborghini-countach-lpi-800-4-in-photos-1235576940/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4.

Lamborghini Countach

RM Sotheby's

This Ultra-Rare Lamborghini Countach With Gold Wheels Could Fetch HK$19.5 Million at Auction

One of the most renowned and focused car collections of this century was assembled by <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/peter-mullin-muses-about-his-winning-1936-bugatti-type-57sc-atlantic-265195/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Mullin</a>, who passed away in September of 2023. He was a personality known to enthusiasts and exhibitors as a man with a taste for the finest automobiles, most of them French. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mullin-automotive-museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mullin Automotive Museum</a>, founded in 2010, featured not just European cars and automobilia, but furniture and other expressions of great design, especially from the 1930’s Art Deco era. Gooding &amp; Company will offer select vehicles and objects from the collection—all to be sold at no reserve—on Friday, 26 April.



Although Mullin’s eponymous museum, in Oxnard, California, officially closed in February, the auction will be held at the location. Among the featured lots is this <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bugatti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bugatti</a> Type 57C Aravis “Special Cabriolet,” which would be an exquisite piece of art even if it weren’t an automobile, as this is a car whose form stirs as much passion today as its performance did when it was new.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_8-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786839" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_8-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_8-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_8-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_8.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis “Special Cabriolet” will be auctioned at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California. Image courtesy of Michael Furman/Mullin Automotive Museum</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/slideshow/bugatti-through-ages-most-iconic-cars-french-marque/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variety of Bugatti models</a> is bewildering to anyone but a marque specialist. But for cocktail-party conversation, the one to remember is the Type 57. Under that moniker were built the most beautiful and collectible automobiles from <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bugatti-molesheim-experience-1234738051/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molsheim</a>, and the Aravis is among them. The Type 57 was the company’s most successful road-going model, and the Type 57C upped performance with a factory supercharger. The engine is Bugatti’s 3.3-litre straight-eight, a gear-driven DOHC design with two valves per cylinder. With a single Stromberg carburettor, it develops 170 hp and allows the car to reach about 95 mph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_20-Edit-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786838" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_20-Edit-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_20-Edit-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_20-Edit-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_20-Edit.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The car was restored by Sargent Metal Works, in Vermont, after being acquired by the Mullin Collection. Image courtesy of Michael Furman/Mullin Automotive Museum</figcaption></figure>



Bugatti’s two-seat Aravis cabriolet was named after a mountain pass in the Swiss Alps. Designed and styled by Jean Bugatti, son of the automaker’s founder Ettore Bugatti, just 11 examples were produced from 1934 to 1939. Coachbuilders Gangloff and Letourneur &amp; Marchand fabricated five bodies each, with another by Albert D’Ieteren. Three Gangloff-bodied examples survive today, and chassis No. 57768 is one of only two originally fitted with a supercharger.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/5-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_2-Edit-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786837" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/5-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_2-Edit-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/5-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_2-Edit-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/5-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_2-Edit-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/5-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis-SC_2-Edit.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bugatti’s 3.3-litre straight-eight engine makes 170 hp and gives the car a top speed of about 95 mph. Image courtesy of Michael Furman/Mullin Automotive Museum</figcaption></figure>



A 1938 model, the vehicle was ordered new by Avignon agent Granat &amp; Fils for Maurice Trintignant, Bugatti’s acclaimed team driver who raced it in period at the Grand Prix du Comminges in 1939. Featuring ivory bodywork with dark blue fenders and trim, the car was restored by Sargent Metal Works, in Vermont, after being acquired by the Mullin Collection.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786836" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6-w-1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis_2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Only three examples of the model that feature a body by coachbuilder Gangloff exist today. Image courtesy of Michael Furman/Mullin Automotive Museum</figcaption></figure>



The car is known in concours circles and was awarded First in Class at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It was later on display at the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/these-1950s-era-concept-cars-remain-what-automotive-dreams-are-made-of-1235559072/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersen Automotive Museum</a> in Los Angeles, taking a prominent position in the Peter and Merle Mullin Artistry Gallery. Although offered with no reserve, it’s estimated to fetch as much as US$3.5 million (HK$27.3 million).



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&amp;p=1235565483/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of this 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis “Special Cabriolet.”

Bugatti

Bugatti Type 57C Aravis

Mullin Automotive Museum

Peter Mullin

This 1938 Bugatti Is an Art-Deco Dream That’s Now Up For Grabs

As Christie’s prepares to ignite its first watch auction of the year, scheduled from 27 March to 9 April in Hong Kong for the 2024 spring season, the result of the local chapter is bound to set the tone for what lies ahead. 15 live and online auctions are in the offing in 2024, studded around the globe in various watch capitals, for enthusiasts and discerning collectors to congregate and bid as the hammer rises and falls with clockwork precision.



On 27 March, Christie’s is holding its online auction, with a live one following in May, and the attention of the watch world will be directed at the city for one simple reason: the numbers. Last year’s sales, particularly the ones from this past November, has made the Hong Kong chapter the cynosure of all eyes. On one autumnal evening, the auctioneers clocked in record global sales and participation from 39 countries spanning five continents. Important watches, those of historical value, the rarest of rarities, and mint collections were up for grabs; Christie’s presented three live watches auctions in Hong Kong and achieved a total of HK$222 million—the second-highest autumn sale at Christie’s Asia, ever.



In fact, Hong Kong established a new record sale total of HK$696 million, representing a 15 per cent year-on-year increase. Christie’s Hong Kong also achieved the highest price for any watch auctioned online, when Patek Philippe’s “Sky Moon Tourbillon” Ref. 6002G-001 attained HK$45.4 million in the Watches Online: Top of the Time auction.



“2023 defined a standout year for luxury with record growth across all departments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Together, Watches, Jewellery, Handbags, and Wine contributed US$1 billion to Christie’s annual global auction results, achieving the strongest-ever departmental sales total. Watches alone contributed US$234 million (HK$1.83 billion), representing the highest annual result ever achieved for the category. Whether the watches event is live or online, a key focus is to ensure seamless access to our auctions as we cater for a global clientele operating in physical and digital spaces,” says Emmanuel Danan, global managing director, luxury at Christie’s.



“Patek Philippe’s ‘Sky Moon,’ which sold online in Hong Kong at US$5.8 million (HK$45.4 million), is a strong indicator of the shift that is underway and gaining momentum, also due to 38 per cent of Christie’s global watch clients being millennials,” Danan reflects.



Highlights for horologists run the gamut, from a diamond-studded Cartier to a colourful novelty like Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition. Here are five watches from the Watches Online: The Hong Kong Edit auction that caught our eye:



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="753" height="1024" data-id="1234786326" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.13 AM-753x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786326" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.13 AM-753x1024.jpg 753w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.13 AM-221x300.jpg 221w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.13 AM-768x1044.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.13 AM-1130x1536.jpg 1130w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.13 AM.jpg 1177w" sizes="(max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition (Limited Edition Of 500 Pieces)  HK$180,000–HK$350,000 </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="860" height="1024" data-id="1234786324" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.27 AM-860x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786324" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.27 AM-860x1024.jpg 860w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.27 AM-252x300.jpg 252w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.27 AM-768x915.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.27 AM-1289x1536.jpg 1289w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.27 AM.jpg 1343w" sizes="(max-width: 860px) 100vw, 860px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rolex Daytona With “Mustard Dial”  HK$400,000-HK$800,000 </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="806" height="1024" data-id="1234786325" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.37 AM-806x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786325" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.37 AM-806x1024.jpg 806w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.37 AM-236x300.jpg 236w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.37 AM-768x975.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.37 AM-1210x1536.jpg 1210w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-9.26.37 AM.jpg 1260w" sizes="(max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cartier 18k Pink-Gold and Pavé Diamond-Set Ballon Bleu, Ref. 3271  Estimate: HK$350,000-HK$700,000 </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="749" height="1024" data-id="1234786323" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c-749x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786323" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c-749x1024.jpg 749w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c-220x300.jpg 220w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c-768x1049.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c-1124x1536.jpg 1124w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c.jpg 1171w" sizes="(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Panerai Legendary Platinum Wristwatch with Rolex-Based Movement  HK$320,000-HK$650,000 </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" data-id="1234786322" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71972770-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234786322" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71972770-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71972770-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71972770-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71972770-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71972770-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71972770.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rolex Daytona “Eye Of The Tiger”  HK$1,000,000–HK$2,000,000 </figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Watches Online: The Hong Kong Edit



27 March–9 April



For more information, visit <a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-hong-kong-edit/lots/3502" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">onlineonly.christies.com</a>.

Christie's

Watch

Watch capital

This Diamond-Studded Rolex Daytona Is Expected to Fetch HK$2 Million at Auction

We’ve seen designer drops, bejewelled wrist candies, and innumerable watches of every stripe and provenance come our way, but it has been a long time since we’ve laid eyes on a rock ‘n’ roll watch collaboration worthy of piqued interest.



Hublot and Depeche Mode have come together to release the new&nbsp;<a href="http://hublot.depechemode.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode</a>, paying tribute to the legendary new wave band’s latest album—Memento Mori—and subsequent world tour. Sporting a skull motif with an overlaid hourglass design, the matte black watch conjures up notions of the passage of time, the symbolism of the inevitable transience of life, and the profound role we each play on Earth. For those looking at the literal more than the mystical, it’s just a really cool watch for the latent rocker in you.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-LS-4-Horizontal-original-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785764" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-LS-4-Horizontal-original-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-LS-4-Horizontal-original-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-LS-4-Horizontal-original-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-LS-4-Horizontal-original-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-LS-4-Horizontal-original-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spirit Of Big Bang Depeche Mode</figcaption></figure>



Following the Big Bang style, the tonneau shape is designed with a signature all-black aesthetic with a skull emblem, and the&nbsp;centre&nbsp;of the dial is filled with miniature black ceramic spheres. Along the edges, the indices take the form of pyramid-shaped studs, a motif echoed on the black ceramic bezel, and the initials “DM”—Depeche Mode—appear at 6 o’clock.&nbsp;



For hardcore fans, this collaboration is nothing new in the canon of Depeche Mode’s legacy. Hublot first partnered with the British band 14 years ago when the two powerhouses joined hands to raise funds and awareness for several humanitarian causes. Since then, this lucrative partnership has been bolstered with each of Depeche Mode’s subsequent tours.



In keeping with that tradition, part of the sales proceeds from the latest Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode watch will once again go to a worthy cause, as the band reminds us. “Memento Mori&nbsp;encourages us to be more mindful of just how fragile our existence is; this is why joining forces once again with our trusted friends at Hublot makes so much sense,” says Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore on why the two came together again after a decade.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-FD-HR-B-DIGITAL-original-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785766" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-FD-HR-B-DIGITAL-original-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-FD-HR-B-DIGITAL-original-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-FD-HR-B-DIGITAL-original-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-FD-HR-B-DIGITAL-original-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HUBLOT-SPIRIT-OF-BIG-BANG-DEPECHE-MODE_646.CI_.0110.RX_.DPM24-FD-HR-B-DIGITAL-original-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Depeche Mode</figcaption></figure>



Hublot is currently raising funds and awareness for Conservation Collective, a global network of philanthropic foundations that protects, conserves, and restores the environment. Funds from the Depeche Mode and Hublot partnership will help tackle plastic pollution.&nbsp;



Depeche Mode has never failed to confront greater ideology than the average hit song. Be it&nbsp;Personal Jesus, Policy of Truth, or&nbsp;Enjoy the Silence, their lyrical derivatives have addressed existential angst much more than the usual pop candy that hits the charts. Setting aside the philosophical bent, for those who need to know what’s under the hood, the watch measures 42 mm, and the barrel-shaped case is made of sand-blasted, polished black ceramic, housing a self-winding HUB1710_SD movement with a 50-hour power reserve. Each Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode watches comes with two interchangeable straps, one made from recycled materials and Velcro, the other from black rubber with a titanium folding clasp.&nbsp;



To top it all, each of the 100 limited-edition timepieces will come in a special box containing a retro surprise: a 10-inch vinyl single of Depeche Mode’s&nbsp;Wagging Tongue, only available as part of this package, and produced using green energy and recycled PVC.



Learn more about the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode <a href="http://hublot.depechemode.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



All images courtesy of Hublot.

Depeche Mode

Hublot

Watches

Hublot and Depeche Mode Just Dropped a New Monochromatic Big Bang Watch

A Lange & Sohne

Bulgari

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Piaget

TAG Heuer

Vacheron Constantin

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

As I look over the releases from Watches &amp; Wonders this year, I am struck by the general conservatism of the collections. This isn’t a bad thing—perhaps even an improvement over the predominance of<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/best-new-watches-2023-watches-and-wonders-1234822739/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Liberace-ready watches offered in Geneva last year</a>. Amid this year’s restraint, however, what’s jumping out for 2024 is the sheer imagination and—I’ll just say it—wondrousness of the watches coming from brands that have traditionally, though not exclusively, catered to women. Watches from Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Hermès, and Van Cleef &amp; Arpels are blowing our minds.



For too long, watch aficionados have dismissed collections aimed at women as unserious. If you’re catching a whiff of gender trouble here, follow your nose. <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watches-fashion-gender-1235569136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">We’ve recently explored this dynamic in detail elsewhere</a>, but to sum it up: Jewellery and fashion have long been women’s turf and highly complicated mechanical watches have long been men’s turf. That passé attitude is shifting. But it’s not just the 21st century’s blurring of gender identities or the rise of dude-bling that’s causing the change; it’s also the imaginative use of highly complicated mechanical works in collections aimed at women.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Summer-Breeze-2024.webp" alt="Van Cleef Arpels’s Brise d’Été" class="wp-image-1234787217" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Summer-Breeze-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Summer-Breeze-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Summer-Breeze-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Summer-Breeze-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Van Cleef &amp; Arpels’s Brise d’Été is a masterpiece of mechanical engineering. Image courtesy of Van Cleef &amp; Arpels</figcaption></figure>



I’m prone to gazing at the backside of a Lange Datograph with a loupe magnifier and experiencing sustained awe, but I am profoundly more wonderstruck when gazing on <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/van-cleef-arpels-brise-dete/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Van Cleef &amp; Arpels’s brand-new Brise d’Été</a> in action. This watch sends butterflies around the dial as violets dance in an imaginary breeze for 12 seconds before returning those tiny lepidoptera to display the time on a retrograde scale. Seriously? That’s way cooler than watching yet another chronograph total up the time I’m wasting watching it do so.



I don’t quite understand why some of us watch nerds will obsess over anglage—also known as chamfering or bevelling—found on a flat metal plate, but we will waltz past something like the dial on <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/chopard-watches-wonders-novelties-2024-10/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chopard’s new Imperiale 36 mm watch</a>. This dial is at least 20 times more interesting—not to mention more difficult to create—than a well-cut corner on a rhodium-plated brass disc.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chopard-Imperiale-2024.webp" alt="Chopard Imperiale for 2024." class="wp-image-1234787218" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chopard-Imperiale-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chopard-Imperiale-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chopard-Imperiale-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chopard-Imperiale-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chopard Imperiale for 2024. Image courtesy of Chopard</figcaption></figure>



I will quote from <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/chopard-watches-wonders-novelties-2024-12/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">my colleague Carol Besler’s description of the Chopard Imperiale</a>, because she put it so well: “The dial… is covered with a blue-green enamel background, dotted with a perfectly uniform pattern of white enamel and pink mother-of-pearl marquetry flowers. The centre of each white flower is set with an orange padparadscha sapphire and each pink flower with a diamond. The flowers and centre gems are surrounded by rims of 18-carat white gold, raised slightly above the dial. The resulting pattern mimics the quatrefoil floral motif in Venetian architecture, particularly in the Doges Palace.”



I’ve discussed at considerable length whether Seiko has accurately reproduced the exact grey of the 1965 62MAS dive watch dial for its US$1,100 (HK$8,615) homage, but the Chopard dial here actually deserves a lengthy discussion. In fact, this watch makes me want to learn more about how it’s made. If you care even a little about the handcraft coming out of the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking, Fleurier, then better not to waltz past this Imperiale from Chopard.



It’s not that watches like <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/iwc-portugieser-eternal-calendar_cdf1fa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IWC’s Eternal Calendar</a> aren’t blowing minds. In this new release, IWC has employed a massive gear that skips three leap years over four centuries to account for orbital anomalies, and the moon phase display only misses one day every 45 million years. That’s bonkers. But the IWC which has mastered leap years doesn’t really leap out when compared to Hermès’s Arceau Chorus Stellarum, which sends a skeleton horse and rider literally leaping across its dial.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes-Arceau-Chorus-Stellarum-2024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787220" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes-Arceau-Chorus-Stellarum-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes-Arceau-Chorus-Stellarum-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes-Arceau-Chorus-Stellarum-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes-Arceau-Chorus-Stellarum-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hermès Arceau Chorus Stellarum 2024. Image courtesy of Hermès</figcaption></figure>



Here I will refer you my colleague Victoria Gomelsky: “A pusher at 9 o’clock activates an animation in which the skeleton horse and rider—embodied in mobile yellow-gold appliqués, engraved and painted by hand—prance around the champlevé enamel dial whose colourful lacquer-coated motifs are adorned with applied rhodium-plated stars.”



The complications driving that horse around the dial would be enough to keep most mechanical watch nerds up at night with an illuminated loupe, but when coupled to the animation of a famous Hermès scarf designed by the Japanese illustrator Daiske Nomura, we’re looking not only at a triumph of mechanics but of aesthetics, imagination, and—to the extent that we care—creative brand extension with a cosmopolitan twist. Hermès is on fire this year.



Cartier, meanwhile, has returned to its roots by delivering<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/cartier-santos-group-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> fresh versions of the Santos</a> and revisiting <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/cartier-santos-group-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its historically oriented Privé collection with some traditional Tortue offerings</a>, which are just lovely. But if you want to be bowled over, you’ll have to check out Cartier’s bejewelled timepieces.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Panther-Watch-2024.webp" alt="Cartier Panther Watch 2024." class="wp-image-1234787221" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Panther-Watch-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Panther-Watch-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Panther-Watch-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Panther-Watch-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cartier Panther Watch 2024. Image courtesy of Cartier</figcaption></figure>



The famous Panthère is joined by an alligator in this year’s Animals collection, and while these creatures wrap themselves around a somewhat banal quartz movement (found in a majority of Cartier’s watches), the gem setting here ought to cause those who care about hand-cut metal micro-architectures to stop and consider what’s going on beneath the pavement. We’re looking at rhodium-finished white gold cut by hand to hold hundreds of top-grade tourmalines, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, rhodolite garnets, spessartite garnets, and onyx. The technical skill of setting those stones in on par with, if not beyond, the finest horological handiwork.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Alligator-Watch-2024.webp" alt="Cartier Alligator Watch 2024." class="wp-image-1234787222" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Alligator-Watch-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Alligator-Watch-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Alligator-Watch-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cartier-Alligator-Watch-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cartier Alligator Watch 2024. Image courtesy of Cartier</figcaption></figure>



If Cartier isn’t convincing you that high mechanical art is on offer from feminine-leaning brands this year, we need only wander back over to Van Cleef &amp; Arpels and consider their museum-grade clocks. The decorative craftsmanship alone astounds, but these clocks also perform jaw-dropping mechanical automations. With the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/rr_watches_and_wonders_2024_van-cleef-arpels-apparition-des-baies-automaton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apparition des Baies</a>, a crown of leaves opens to reveal a bird which takes flight as music chimes from within; when it’s all over, the bird lands and the leaves fold back up around it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Apparition-Des-Baies-Automaton.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787223" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Apparition-Des-Baies-Automaton.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Apparition-Des-Baies-Automaton-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Apparition-Des-Baies-Automaton-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Van Cleef &amp; Arpels Apparition Des Baies Automaton. Image courtesy of Van Cleef &amp; Arpels</figcaption></figure>



Even more remarkable is the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/rr_watches_and_wonders_2024_van-cleef-arpels-bouton-dor-automaton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bouton d’Or.</a> Van Cleef &amp; Arpels’s own description really captures what we’re seeing here: “A fairy, her face suggested by a rose-cut diamond, crowned with diamonds, and clad in a flamboyant rose-gold gown trimmed with blue lacquer, pirouettes in an enchanted dance upon a blooming flowerbed. She twirls thanks to the beating of her plique-à-jour enamel wings, delicately clasping a briolette-cut sapphire between her fingers.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Bouton-dOr-Automaton.webp" alt="Van Cleef &amp; Arpels Bouton d’Or Automaton." class="wp-image-1234787224" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Bouton-dOr-Automaton.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Bouton-dOr-Automaton-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RR_Watches_And_Wonders_2024_Van-Cleef-Arpels-Bouton-dOr-Automaton-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Van Cleef &amp; Arpels Bouton d’Or Automaton. Image courtesy of Van Cleef &amp; Arpels</figcaption></figure>



Just to be clear: The fairy turns because it beats its wings. I still love the Lange Datograph, but come on…



Admittedly, some of those watches appear a little on the traditional side of high horological art, but Chanel has countered with two Boyfriend models that display their beautiful mechanical systems as remarkably as any of the big skeletonised offerings this year. Meet the Chanel Boy-Friend Skeleton X-Ray Pink with a transparent sapphire case and the Skeleton Pink with an 18-carat beige-gold case set with 38 baguette-cut pink sapphires. The exposed Calibre 3 is an in-house manual-winding mechanical skeleton movement. No unexposed quartz or second-tier auto-winder here. This is manual high horology on full display.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chanel-Pink-Tanks.webp" alt="Chanel Boy-Friend Skeleton X-Ray Pink (L) and Skeleton Pink (R)." class="wp-image-1234787225" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chanel-Pink-Tanks.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chanel-Pink-Tanks-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chanel-Pink-Tanks-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chanel-Pink-Tanks-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chanel Boy-Friend Skeleton X-Ray Pink (left) and Skeleton Pink (right). Image courtesy of Chanel</figcaption></figure>



Because of the gracefully laid-out gear train that harmonises visually with the timepiece’s ever-so-subtly branded skeletonised dial, this watch outshines every open-worked or skeletonised watch I’ve seen this year. Seriously, I just looked again to make sure I wasn’t overstating my point, and Chanel has them all beat. Each of these Boyfriend Skeleton Pink watches is offered in a limited edition of just 55 pieces and features a quilted leather strap. (By the way, why aren’t there more quilted leather straps? That’s so chic.)



If it seems as if we are stating the obvious—that a flurry of sparkling gems and high handcraft outshines traditionally styled men’s watches—perhaps it bears mentioning that the timepieces we’ve selected here are neither entirely bejewelled nor are they the only bejewelled watches to be found at Watches &amp; Wonders this year. Not even close, given the recent rise of bling. The point, we hope, is subtler: There is a creative freedom explored and expressed among these brands that have historically created watches for women. Their sense of whimsy and their ability to realise it in metal and stone has been hard-earned through consistent effort, decade after decade—which isn’t an entirely inaccurate definition of the horological arts.

Chanel

Chopard

Hermès

Watches & Wonders

What the Watch World Could Learn From This Year’s Daring, Wondrous Women’s Collections

Last week, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-discontinued-2023-daytona-lemans-1235576357/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robb Report reported that Rolex cancelled last year’s US$51,400 (HK$402,505) white-gold Daytona Le Mans</a> (Reference 126529LN) after a very short 10-month run. Now, examples of that watch are begging as much as US$320,000 (HK$2.5 million) on the pre-owned market.



Released to commemorate the 100th edition of the renowned race, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a> strongly associated the new Daytona Le Mans with Paul Newman’s 1963 Daytona, which hammered in October of 2017 for US$17.8 million (HK$139.3 million)—making it the most expensive watch in the world at the time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rolex-daytona-le-mans-1-cropped.webp" alt="Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Celebrating 100 Years of Speed" class="wp-image-1234787186" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rolex-daytona-le-mans-1-cropped.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rolex-daytona-le-mans-1-cropped-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rolex-daytona-le-mans-1-cropped-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daytona Le Mans (Reference 126529LN). Image courtesy of Rolex</figcaption></figure>



Paying homage to a vintage watch was something Rolex never did overtly—if ever—before. Short production runs were also not Rolex’s style. We likened the 2023 Le Mans to a limited-edition homage watch, which the always-cagey Rolex, of course, didn’t announce as such. But with the crazy high prices we’re seeing now, the 2023 LeMans is heating up on the open market just like any obscure, limited edition that nods to a storied brand’s legacy.



It’s difficult to know if there are real watches at the other end of the sales listings we’re seeing, or whether the sellers are merely fishing for potential buyers in hope of matching them with a possible seller. As with most hype watches, there are usually some shenanigans involved in getting one on the open market, and there are often a handful of bad actors looking to take advantage of someone’s horological lust.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="574" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-12-at-1.48.47 PM.webp" alt="Pre-owned listing from Chrono24, as seen among others on 12 April 2024." class="wp-image-1234787187" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-12-at-1.48.47 PM.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-12-at-1.48.47 PM-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-12-at-1.48.47 PM-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pre-owned listing from Chrono24, as seen among others on 12 April 2024.</figcaption></figure>



Since 2017, when Newman’s Daytona became the most expensive watch ever sold at US$17.8 million (HK$139.3 million), that oddball quasi-Art-Deco dial has been ubiquitously known as a “Newman dial.” But the origins of the fascination with that watch, as well as its nickname, apparently date back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some speculate that a magazine cover in Italy featuring Newman wearing his Daytona sparked the early craze, though it is impossible to confirm this. Regardless of the exact origins, fascination with Rolex Reference 6263 went from a marginal enthusiast interest to something like horological mania after 2017’s auction. With the prices we’re seeing this week for the 2023 homage to Newman’s Daytona, it’s clear that the hype is still strong.



Barring members of Rolex’s inner sanctum, no one knows how many of the white gold 2023 Daytona LeMans were produced. A few wrist shots across social media, the somewhat repetitive <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3rfCfin3tU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public announcements of ownership from Hodinkee’s founder Ben Clymer</a>, and abundant coverage across the watch press have made the LeMans as buzzy as any watch in the last year—perhaps the buzziest. With a US$320,000 (HK$2.5 million) price tag—which amounts to just under six times the retail price—some owners are likely going to hear that buzz all the way to the bank.

Daytona Le Mans

Reference 126529LN

Rolex

The Discontinued Daytona Le Mans Is Now Selling for HK$2.5 Million

First it was&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-certified-pre-owned-program-1234779326/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/audemars-piguet-certified-pre-owned-1234801541/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audemars Piguet</a>, now it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/cristiano-ronaldo-invests-chrono24-1234867733/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chrono24</a>: Another major player in the watch industry has started vetting pre-owned timepieces for collectors.



The leading online marketplace for luxury watches today launched a new authentication programme for pre-owned watches to ensure shoppers feel safer splashing cash on the secondary market.



Called simply <a href="https://www.chrono24.com/certified.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Certified</a>, the programme will be available for pre-owned timepieces from both professional and private sellers with price tags above US$1,000 (HK$7,830). The certification includes a comprehensive authenticity check of a purchaser’s watch, box, and papers. Every certified watch will also receive an evergreen digital Certificate of Authenticity. Furthermore, a green “C” icon is now visible on the certified watches on the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chrono24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chrono24</a> website.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787088" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_3.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_3-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sellers can have timepieces checked at Chrono24’s certification centre. Image courtesy of Chrono24</figcaption></figure>



“The world’s leading marketplace for luxury watches now offers the largest selection of certified watches on the planet,” Chrono24 CEO Carsten Keller said in a statement. “Built on the most transparent authentication service in the industry, customers now experience the final layer of security in buying luxury watches.”



Wrist candy can be certified in one of two ways. The watch can be examined by an experienced watchmaker contracted by Chrono24 and geographically close to the dealer. This process is carried out before the piece is listed and at no charge to the purchaser. Alternatively, private sellers can have a timepiece checked by a watchmaker at Chrono24’s certification centre, before it is shipped to its new owner. This optional service bears a convenience charge of about US$216 (HK$1,690) and takes between two to five business days.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787089" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chrono24_Certified_2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The authentication process includes theft, functionality, and authenticity checks. Image courtesy of Chrono24</figcaption></figure>



Either way, the watchmaker will meticulously examine the watch to make sure it’s legit. The standardised authentication process includes a theft check in which the serial number is run through stolen watch databases, a functionality check that includes the testing of complications, and an authenticity check that ensures the piece meets Chrono24’s <a href="https://www.chrono24.com/assets/pdf/certified/Certified-Whitepaper-EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">authenticity standards</a>. The box and papers (if included in the sale) will also be checked to confirm they match the reference.



A Certificate of Authenticity is then generated for the piece. The document details the condition of the watch, specifies if it has any aftermarket parts, and notes if there are any differences between it and the listing. Chrono24 will also reach out to the buyer so that they can decide if they wish to proceed with the purchase. As always, shoppers are fully protected through the platform’s Buyer Protection program. (Should a watch arrive not as the seller described, the buyer has 14 days to initiate a return and get their money back.)



Certified is now live across Europe, with the US rollout scheduled for later in the second quarter (early summer).

Certification

Certified

Chrono24

Pre-owned Watches

Chrono24 Launches an Authentication Programme, Addressing the Used Watch Market’s Biggest Pitfall

Steve Kozloff is making his marine dream a reality.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Deep Sea Dreamer

Steve Kozloff

Submarine

This Insane Submarine Concept Doubles as a 107-Foot Superyacht

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Carbon-Fibre

Mayla

Speedboat

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

A few <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/grace-kelly-honeymoon-yacht-galapagos-1234804361/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyachts</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/andbeyond-expedition-yacht-galapagos-islands-summer-1235510420/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expedition vessels</a> are already cruising the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/galapagos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galápagos</a>, but travel specialist <a href="https://vianatura.com/hermes-galapagos-luxury-cruises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Via Natura</a> is introducing a new ultra-luxurious <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/catamaran/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catamaran</a> to the islands.



The 157-foot Hermes—no relation to Hermès, but in a similar exclusive vein—was designed to meet the needs of high-net-worth travellers. It will become the second-largest leisure cat in the world and the biggest in the South American archipelago, Via Natura says.



Despite its size, Hermes will host a maximum of 20 guests at a time to retain a feeling of exclusivity. The crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1 ensures each seafarer receives the finest five-star service. A 24/7 butler will also be at your whim on each adventure.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Salon.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787134" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Salon.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Salon-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Salon-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The salon. Image courtesy of Via Natura</figcaption></figure>



Hermes features 12 spacious convertible suites across the main and upper decks. (10 are doubles and two are singles.) Each suite sports floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in closet, a private bathroom, a minibar, and a scenic private balcony with a Jacuzzi. The premium beverage menu is complimentary, so you can sip on something tasty while enjoying the views.



Beyond the suites, Hermes showcases several upscale social areas indoors and out. The compact multihull offers amenities akin to a larger cruise ship, too. The large welcome area leads to a contemporary interior with two plush lounges, a fully stocked library, and a spa with a hammam overlooking the ocean. The exterior is home to an aperitif lounge and a spacious sundeck with an alfresco dining area, an observation zone, and a Jacuzzi flanked by sunbeds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Sundeck1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787133" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Sundeck1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Sundeck1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_Sundeck1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The sundeck. Image courtesy of Via Natura</figcaption></figure>



Gourmands will also be catered to on the cruise. A renowned Ecuadorian chef has prepared a signature menu highlighting the fascinating flavours of Ecuadorian cuisine. In addition, seafarers can try their hands at delicious local dishes and moreish tipples via cooking lessons and cocktail classes.



As for exploration, the itineraries range from three to 14 nights and include stops at amazing far-flung destinations. Highlights include Gardner Bay, Black Turtle Cove, Santa Fe Island, and Buccaneer Cove. Two experienced naturalist guides will be on hand to share their knowledge during hikes, snorkelling, kayaking, and more.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_KingSuite2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787132" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_KingSuite2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_KingSuite2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hermes_KingSuite2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The King Suite. Image courtesy of Via Natura</figcaption></figure>



As the Galápagos is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hermes has opted for a propulsion system that is more fuel-efficient than the conventional setups to help curb pollution. Although not fully electric, it’s slightly less damaging to the environment. “We could not go further because of the infrastructure limitation that the islands pose and the restriction on battery use,” Via Natura CEO Esteban Velásquez told Robb Report via email. 



He adds that the company is also launching a reforestation programme to replant an endangered native tree of the Galápagos (the Scalesia) on nine hectares of private land in the region. “Not only will the cruise bookings help the reforestation efforts, but also guests themselves,” he adds. “If the itinerary allows, they can come with us to plant Scalesias themselves.”



Rates for a three-night adventure start at US$6,195 (HK$48,515) for a double or single suite and US$117,705 (HK$921,775) for a private charter. You can find more information at the <a href="https://vianatura.com/hermes-galapagos-luxury-cruises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Via Natura website</a>.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/hermes-catamaran-1235578493/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the images of Hermes.

catamaran

Galapagos

Hermes

Via Natura

This Luxe 157-Foot Catamaran Lets You Explore the Galápagos With a Personal Butler

<a href="https://www.aberdoni.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Jay Aberdoni</a>&nbsp;is bringing minimalist design to the high seas.



The Spanish designer, who worked at Alberto Mancini Yacht Design before starting his eponymous studio, just unveiled a new megayacht concept with a daringly simple silhouette. “This design was conceived to capture that classic elegance that yachting is all about,”&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aberdoni/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aberdoni</a>&nbsp;told&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;in an email.



Christened Day One, the new 239-footer evokes the minimalist creations of the 1960s and 1970s. Artists, designers, and architects of the minimalism movement focused on an extreme simplicity of form, favouring basic geometric shapes and clean lines. Aberdoni has taken the same approach with Day One, creating a geometrical paradox that sees concentric circles contrasted by long, horizontal lines. “Every surface is a sublime expression of confidence and style, which is only suited for the nonconformists,” the designer adds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="581" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_10-1024x581.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787030" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_10-1024x581.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_10-300x170.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_10-768x436.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_10.webp 1190w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The upper deck. Image courtesy of Aberdoni</figcaption></figure>



Aberdoni has erased almost all boundaries on board, too. The vessel is equipped with low bulwarks that are glass in some sections and retractable sliding doors that help create one, large open-plan living space. The layout flows inside and out, vertically and horizontally, ensuring seafarers can access all rooms with ease.



Speaking of rooms, Day One is outfitted with six cabins that can sleep up to 11 guests. The show-stopping owner’s suite features a dedicated bow terrace with a Jacuzzi and infinity lounge. Other interior highlights include a plush cinema and a swanky upper-deck dining area.



More fun features can be found at the stern. The tender garage is hidden behind a series of wooden slats that slide away when you want access. In addition, the transom and side terraces can fold out to create additional waterside relaxation areas. To top it off, the main deck sports a giant pool and the aft beach club is fitted with a gym and spa.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="581" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_13-1024x581.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234787029" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_13-1024x581.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_13-300x170.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_13-768x436.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aberdone_Day_One_13.webp 1190w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The pool. Image courtesy of Aberdoni</figcaption></figure>



Aberdoni told&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;there is no propulsion system yet defined for Day One, which means prospective owners could opt for diesel, hybrid, or electric.



Aberdoni, who has been in the industry for around a decade, previously unveiled the 272-foot megayacht&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/jay-aberdoni-megayacht-dust-1234694422/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust</a>, the 236-foot&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/posterity-233-foot-superyacht-1234666871/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Posterity</a>, and the 262-foot explorer&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/penthouse-inspired-explorer-yacht-1234750460/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prelude</a>. All his creations proudly display pirate flags at the stern, which is one of the designer’s signatures. Day One has at least one maximalist touch, then.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/day-one-superyacht-1235575013/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the photos of Day One.

Aberdoni

Day One

Jay Aberdoni

This New 239-Foot Megayacht Concept Pairs Sleek, Minimalist Design With Over-the-Top Luxury