Qatar Goodwood Festival 2021

Watches and Wonders 2021 – Morning Show – April 9

#watchesandwonders2021 A lively show this morning with highlights from yesterday’s brand announcements, discussed in fine detail with Zhixiang Ding, Editor-in-Chief of Chronos China. There was a strong sky theme, with moons, astronomy, the calendar and even rainbows.

We were joined live from Neuchâtel by Antoine Pin, CEO of the Watch Division at Bulgari to talk about his plans for the year ahead. Then we crossed to Schaffhausen to speak live to Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen about the brand’s roots in engineering, and its forward-facing blend of digital and in-person interactions going forward. The Watching Brief was all about Design today. In Shanghai, Carson Chan, chief advisor to FHH, talked us through the greens and puristic designs on screen, while in the studio independent watch consultant Gianfranco Ritschel once more donned his gloves on to show us the structured dials in the ‘flesh’. We went Behind the Clock Face with Cartier, Panerai and Piaget looking at new innovations and customer experience. And Pascal Ravessoud, Director of External Affairs for FHH, was on set to catch you up if you missed yesterday’s panel on Corporate Social Responsibility and tease today’s panel on distribution in a post-pandemic world.
WATCHES & WONDERS  geneva – WEDNESDAY 7 TH APRIL

WATCHES & WONDERS  geneva – WEDNESDAY 7 TH APRIL

Your First Wake-Up to the Wonder of Watches
In this inaugural episode of The Morning Show, we took a spin through the virtual salon set-up and set out our stall for the next 10 days.

We introduced you to some of the faces you’ll be getting familiar with over the salon. Firstly, our experts in the studio, who will be handling some of the watches on your behalf this week in order to make you feel you’re here with us in person. Secondly, our experts abroad, who are the living embodiment of the true digital experience and what it can do.

The highlight of the first Morning Show was a look behind the clock face with A. Lange & Söhne and Hermès. The two artists who created the Hermès scenography at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva took us for a walk around their work. Being ‘with’ them, where art meets horlogerie, felt fitting for a show that highlighted the link between these two disciplines.

view more >>>

Watches and Wonders opens tomorrow for the biggest watch event ever to take place online!

Geneva, April 6, 2021  Close to 500 press conferences, over 40 keynotes, a daily live “Morning Show”, six expert-led panels… and a wealth of exceptional creations revealed by the 38 prestigious participating Maisons: Watches and Wonders 2021 opens tomorrow a for a particularly intense edition that will put watchmaking in the spotlight for over ten days. Online and
offline, from Geneva to Shanghai, follow this unmissable event live from anywhere in the world. Connect from tomorrow 7:00 CET to the
watchesandwonders.com digital platform.

Only hours to go before the curtain comes up on Watches and Wonders with a 2021 edition in two parts, starting with a digital format in Geneva, then over to Shanghai for an in-person Salon. For more than ten days, the eyes of the world will be on the creativity and expertise of the most prestigious names in watchmaking.

Getting this horological marathon under way, Watches and Wonders Geneva promises to be particularly intense with 38 participating brands – double last year – 500 press conferences, 400 presentations to retailers, over 40 keynotes, a daily live “Morning Show”, six panel discussions, also live each day, one-toone appointments, virtual tours and more. All part of the exciting program for the 23,000 visitors – media, retailers and end customers – who have been invited to Watches and Wonders Geneva by the brands for a fully digital Salon
experience.

Watchmaking puts on a “Morning Show” Going out live every morning from April 8 to 13 at 8:00 CET, the 2021 edition launches with the first “Morning Show” at 7:00 CET on April 7th. Presented by Belle Donati, a primetime news anchor for major European networks, this is where industry experts and other prestigious guests will be giving their informed insight. Analyses, summaries, product presentations, trend focuses, CEO interviews, expert views, panel discussions, highlights of the day and everything you need to know about watchmaking will be shared, live, each morning… not forgetting the “Minute LAB”, spotlight on the latest technology and innovations from the participating brands. No stone will be left unturned during these seven 40-minute shows, presented in English and simultaneously translated into simplified Chinese. The public will be able to watch the “Morning Show” live on the watchesandwonders.com platform or
catch up on the Watches and Wonders YouTube channel and social media.

Another highlight of the event will be the 42 launches and other “breaking news” from the 38 participating brands. Expect some major announcements, new watch presentations and exclusive product reveals, all on the new watchesandwonders.com platform.

A platform for debate and discussion And there is more: watchesandwonders.com is also a place for ideas and debate. Every day, from April 8 to 13 at 12:15 CET, influencers, brand leaders
and watchmaking experts will discuss the perspectives and challenges that lie ahead for the industry.: How can watchmaking contribute to overcome
resources scarcity and generate a positive impact? What will be the lasting consequences of the global pandemic? What role should technology and new
materials play? What impact can blockchain have on watchmaking? All these subjects will be covered in six 40-minute discussions, streamed live on the
platform, then available on replay for the public.

A gathering of the leading players in watchmaking worldwide, Watches and Wonders is set to become the standout event for 2021. Join watch enthusiasts around the world on watchesandwonders.com from 7:00 CET tomorrow and be part of this digital experience, before moving on to China, starting April 14!

BRANDS ON THE WATCHESANDWONDERS.COM DIGITAL PLATFORM
PARTICIPATING BRANDS | A. LANGE & SÖHNE | ARNOLD & SON | BAUME & MERCIER | BVLGARI | CARL F. BUCHERER | CARTIER | CHANEL | CHOPARD | CHRONOSWISS | CORUM | FERDINAND BERTHOUD | GREUBEL FORSEY | H. MOSER & CIE. | HERMÈS | HUBLOT | IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | LOUIS MOINET | LOUIS VUITTON | MAURICE LACROIX | MONTBLANC | NOMOS GLASHÜTTE | ORIS | PANERAI | PATEK PHILIPPE | PIAGET | PURNELL | REBELLION TIMEPIECES | RESSENCE | ROGER DUBUIS |ROLEX | SPEAKE-MARIN | TAG HEUER | TRILOBE | TUDOR | ULYSSE NARDIN | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | ZENITH

BRANDS EXHIBITING AT WATCHES AND WONDERS SHANGHAI EXHIBITING BRANDS | CARTIER | ROLEX | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | PIAGET | A. LANGE & SÖHNE | CHOPARD | PANERAI | ULYSSE NARDIN | ROGER DUBUIS | MONTBLANC | TUDOR | BAUME & MERCIER | H. MOSER & CIE. | ARMIN STROM | ARNOLD & SON | FERDINAND BERTHOUD | PURNELL

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS GPHG INNOVATION PRIZE

FOR THE FIRST HIJRI PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH

“The calendar is an eminently fascinating watchmaking complication, as it really is the mirror of civilizations.” Michel Parmigiani

Earlier today, Parmigiani Fleurier was proud to receive the prestigious Innovation Prize from the Grand Prix D’Horlogerie de Genève for its creation of the first Hijri perpetual calendar wristwatch. The prize is awarded by the Jury on a discretionary basis to reward the best competing watch offering an innovative and unique vision of time measurement, and for opening up new pathways for the art of watchmaking.

The Hijri Perpetual Calendar features a 44.5 mm platinum case, a slate dial and rotor in platinum. It shows the hours and minutes, and date in Arabic numerals, the name and length of the months in Arabic calligraphy, as well as the abundant and the common years. It also features a moon phase in an aventurine sky and a power reserve of up to 48 hours. As seen in all Parmigiani Fleurier timepieces, every single component of the movement, even the hidden parts, are decorated by in-house specialists.

Parmigiani Fleurier is often inspired by its work in restoration and is firmly rooted in the history and tradition of watchmaking. The original development of this stunning timepiece dates back to 1993, when Michel Parmigiani restored a simple Hijri Calendar and a pocket watch from the end of the 18th or beginning of the 19th Century that featured a solar calendar translated into Arabic. This led Mr. Parmigiani to create the first-ever Hijri Calendar table clock, and today to the first wristwatch featuring this complication. The Hijri Perpetual Calendar has been carefully designed in consideration of the most intricate elements of Arabic architecture, culture, and religion. It is the culmination of centuries worth of technical knowledge, combining both culture and high horology, and beautifully showcasing the high standards in innovation and hand-crafted expertise the Maison is known for.

“We would like to thank all the people who collaborated with us on this incredible project,” said Davide Traxler, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier. “At Parmigiani Fleurier we stand strong in our belief in solidarity, in the power of community, in being inspired by the work of greats who have come before us, in inspiring future generations, and sharing the gifts of watchmaking with industry colleagues and those around the globe who appreciate the artistry of our work. The international community of watch admirers and devotees is a motley of cultures and traditions; we celebrate this diversity in our own way with the Hijri Perpetual Calendar, and we hope that- as an industry and as citizens of the world-  we will also embrace it in the people we choose to represent and lead us.”

Parmigiani Fleurier sought the expertise of Mr. Stefano Macaluso to redesign each of the bridges of the new PF009 movement. The bridges are inspired by the typical arches of mosques and adopt the shape of growing and shrinking crescent moons. The Rub el Hizb, an Islamic symbol represented by two overlapping squares which in Arabic calligraphy marks the end of a chapter, is often used in the holy book of Quran and is also represented in this design to honor the cultural richness of the Arab world through modern watchmaking.

“The decoration inspiration for the Parmigiani Fleurier Hijri Perpetual Calendar was drawn from the architecture of the Arab world, highlighting all of its aesthetic codes, each more beautiful than the next, while keeping in mind an evocative and quickly understandable visual vocabulary,” said Stefano Macaluso.

 

Picture: The Naked Watchmaker  

In the Muslim world, the calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. The Hijri or Islamic lunar calendar consists of twelve months of 29 or 30 days – depending on the moon phase- and is used to pinpoint the days for Islamic holidays. In contrast to the solar calendar, which is used in the west, the months of the lunar calendar change annually by a difference of -10 to -12 days. As a result, each month always falls on a different season and therefore varies from the Gregorian Calendar.

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER

Taking its name from its founder, watchmaker and restorer Michel Parmigiani, the fine watchmaking brand was founded in 1996 in Fleurier, in the Swiss valley of Val-de-Travers. With its own watchmaking centre ensuring its independence, the brand has both full control over the production process and unique creative freedom. For over twenty years, the Parmigiani Fleurier signature has resided within timepieces that command the utmost respect, in harmony with watchmaking traditions. They are the labour of a lifetime – that of Michel Parmigiani, the talented individuals who assist him, and the special relationship between the Manufacture and the masterpieces of the past, enabling it to invent a bold future.

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Stuttgart. Richard Attwood, one of the most successful works racing drivers of Porsche AG, celebrates his 80th birthday on 4 April 2020. 50 years ago, the British racing driver Attwood achieved the first overall victory for Porsche at the 24 Hours of Le Mans together with Hans Herrmann.

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Attwood developed a passion for motorsports at an early age – inspired by the car dealership run by his parents. After racing in formula sport with Triumph and BRM, he first came into contact with the Porsche brand in 1967.

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Together with William Bradley, he finished second in Zeltweg driving a private Porsche 906 Carrera 6. Porsche engaged Attwood for the World Sportscar Championship two years later in 1969, and from then on he was retained under contract as a works driver.

He raced in the World Championship for Makes in a Porsche 908/02, and came second in both Brands Hatch and Watkins Glen together with Vic Elford. In the season finale in Zeltweg, he finished third with Brian Redman in the 917. Together with Hans Herrmann, he took part in the Nürburgring 1,000 km driving a Porsche 908/03 in 1970 – finishing in 2nd place.

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthda

The first overall victory in the most important endurance race in the world is considered to be one of the greatest racing successes of the sports car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen. On 14 June 1970, Porsche achieved the first of a total of 19 overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

Porsche congratulates motor racing legend Richard Attwood on his 80th birthday

After exactly 4,607.811 kilometres or 343 laps, Richard Attwood and Hans Herrmann crossed the finishing line first in the legendary Porsche 917 KH from Porsche Salzburg with the start number 23. “Unlike what many people may think, I never did any testing in the 917. I drove a 917 for the first time in a qualifying race in 1969,” says Attwood looking back. “In 1970 I did not believe for a minute that we had even the slightest hope of winning.”


In 1971, he achieved another first place in the 1,000 kilometre race at the Österreichring. Richard Attwood retired from active motor racing at the end of the season at the age of just 31. His last podium finish was in 1971 together with Derek Bell in the 917 KH at the season finale of the World Sportscar Championship in Watkins Glen (3rd place). However, the now 80 year-old was not quite ready to fully enjoy his retirement. In 1984, he finished 15th in Daytona in a Porsche 928. Today, Attwood still accompanies the Porsche Museum to its driving events at renowned classic car meets all over the world. Among other things, he can be seen at the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, the Sound Night as well as at various historic motorsports events.


Richard Atwood’s most important Porsche racing successes
1967
2nd place 500 km Zeltweg, Porsche 906 Carrera 6

1969
7th place 12h Sebring, Porsche 908/02
2nd place 6h Brands Hatch, Porsche 908/02
4th place 1,000 km Spa, Porsche 908 LH
4th place 1,000 km Nürburgring, Porsche 908/02
2nd place 6h Watkins Glen, Porsche 908/02
3rd place 1,000 km Österreichring, Porsche 917
1st place 9h Kyalami, Porsche 908/02

1970
3rd place 1,000 km Brands Hatch, Porsche 917 KH
5th place Targa Florio, Porsche 908/03
9th place 1,000 km Spa, Porsche 908/02
6th place 1,000 km Spa, Porsche 917 KH
2nd place 1,000 km Nürburgring, Porsche 908/03
1st place 24h Le Mans, Porsche 917
3rd place CanAm Watkins Glen, Porsche 917 KH
4th place 1,000 km Österreichring, Porsche 917 KH

1971
2nd place 24h Le Mans, Porsche 917 KH
1st place 1,000 km Österreichring, Porsche 917 KH
3rd place 6h Watkins Glen, Porsche 917 KH

Venice, August 30th, 2019 – in the magical city of Venice, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated the 15th anniversary of its partnership with Venice International Film Festival by hosting an intimate dinner in the exceptional setting of the Granai di Cipriani.

Set between sea and sky on the island of Giudecca, with stunning views across the Lagoon to Piazza San Marco, the fairytale location perfectly expresses the Celestial theme chosen by the Swiss Maison this year. Paying homage to the stars and planets that have always determined how mankind measures time, the celestial theme is also a loving tribute to the star-studded night sky above Jaeger-LeCoultre’s home in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux.

Hosted by Catherine Rénier, Chief Executive Officer of Jaeger-LeCoultre, guests from all over the world were joined by Friends of the Maison Nicholas Hoult, Amanda Seyfried, Ni Ni and Italian actress Alessandra Mastronardi, to pay tribute to great cinema and honour the art of time.

In an ambience of great charm and refinement, they witnessed the unveiling of four beautiful new watches inspired by the stars of the night sky. A beautiful, fully gem-set interpretation of the Dazzling Rendez-Vous Moon combines the icy sparkle of diamonds with the warmth of pink gold and glowing mother of pearl; its sumptuous bracelet is set with white diamonds, linked seamlessly together to wrap around the wrist as softly as a ribbon.

Inspired by the otherworldly beauty of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), two new interpretations of the splendid Rendez-Vous Celestial watch unite two of the Metiers Rares® that Jaeger-LeCoultre has so thoroughly mastered – gem-setting, and hand-painting. A glittering bezel set with a colour-graduated circle of baguette-cut sapphires surrounds a mother-of-pearl dial that has been hand-painted to echo the ethereal patterns of the Aurora Borealis.

In addition, Jaeger-LeCoultre has reinterpreted its magnificent Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Céleste, with a sleek new-generation case and subtle refinement of the dial. While appearing to have been simplified, the dial has in fact gained an extra dimension thanks to the use of Super-LumiNova™, which gives a heavenly glow to the hour markers and constellations in low light.

For this special celebration of the arts of cinema and fine watchmaking, Michelin-starred chef Christian Le Squer, of Restaurant Le Cinq in Paris, flew to Venice and created a special menu to complement the celestial theme and capture the beauty of the setting.

Thanks to the many values it shares with the art of filmmaking, Jaeger-LeCoultre is deeply attached to the world of cinema and, through its long-standing partnership with the Venice International Film Festival, is proud to contribute to the appreciation and advancement of the cinematic arts.

OMEGA hosts a star-filled tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing at Cape Canaveral
OMEGA hosts a star-filled tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing with George Clooney and an impressive line-up of NASA veterans; including Charlie Duke and Thomas Stafford.

OMEGA hosts a star-filled tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing at Cape Canaveral

It was a gathering of greats at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center when OMEGA paid tribute to the mission that made history.

OMEGA hosts a star-filled tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing at Cape Canaveral

OMEGA hosts a star-filled tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing at Cape Canaveral

After a day of discussions on a range of space-related subjects, media and VIP guests enjoyed a “Golden Moments” dinner served beneath the impressive Saturn 5 rocket, which was attended by George Clooney, Amal Clooney, Charlie Duke and Thomas Stafford.

Clearly proud of the Swiss brand’s claim-to-fame as the first watch worn on the Moon, President and CEO of OMEGA Mr. Raynald Aeschlimann summed up the spirit of the occasion. “It’s a huge achievement to land on another world. I can’t think of a better reason to raise a glass in tribute.”

Though OMEGA Ambassador George Clooney drew a great deal of media attention, the self-effacing actor was determined to ensure the spotlight stayed focused on his fellow guests. “It’s a great pleasure to be here – and an honor. I have enormous respect for the people who made the Apollo missions such a success.”

George Clooney was joined on stage by veteran of four NASA space missions and commander of Apollo 10 Lieutenant General Thomas Stafford, along with CAPCOM for Apollo 11 and Apollo 16 lunar module pilot Charlie Duke.

Reflecting on the pioneering spirit of the Apollo era, Charlie Duke described it as an exciting time but stressed that the success of the 1969 mission was down to hard work and commitment. “We were heading to the Moon, but we were also grounded, very realistic, and we never took success for granted, not once.”

Apollo 10’s Thomas Stafford talked about the “alien yet familiar” qualities of the lunar surface, and spoke proudly of his role in Apollo 11’s glory. “It was a great honor for me to play my part in the successful mission that followed.”

Also in attendance were Astronaut and artist Nicole Stott, NASA pilot and ISS commander Terry Virts, ESA astronaut and NASA veteran Jean-François Clervoy, and former NASA engineer and the man behind the Moonwatch, Jim Ragan.

To mark the 50th anniversary OMEGA has released a 42 mm Speedmaster in 18K Moonshine™ gold – an exclusive new alloy which offers a paler hue than traditional yellow gold and higher resistance to fading over time. The design is replete with lunar history as well as modern materials and a superb new movement: OMEGA’s Master Chronometer Calibre 3861- a manual-winding OMEGA Co-Axial escapement movement with Moonshine™ gold plated main plate and bridges, as well as burgundy markings.

Four leading ladies join OMEGA in Shanghai for the launch of the new Constellation “Manhattan”

An unforgettable night with Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, Alessandra Ambrosio and Liu Shishi.

It was an evening of true star quality, as OMEGA launched its new Constellation “Manhattan” collection at a special event in Shanghai. Hosted at the city’s dazzling Expo I–Pavilion, the celebrations introduced a full makeover for the iconic Constellation timepieces and also brought four of OMEGA’s most inspirational women to the stage.

Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, Alessandra Ambrosio and Liu Shishi arrived as the glamorous guests of honour for the evening – each representing the beauty, sophistication and excellence that the Constellation collection is known for.

Standing alongside the four OMEGA ambassadors was Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, who said, “The Constellation has always been admired by women all around the world. No matter the country, it has appealed to ladies of all backgrounds and styles. To celebrate that spirit, we’ve been lucky to have not one, but four of our closest friends here together. Having Nicole, Cindy, Shishi and Alessandra at one single event shows how much love there is for the Constellation.”

The Constellation collection has long been OMEGA’s symbol of unrivalled precision and elegance in watchmaking. It was the “Manhattan” design in 1982 that introduced the modern look and today’s new collection has enhanced many of the most famous features. More than 100 new models will be made available to customers, each of them with subtle updates including bevelled edges for a refined feminine look, slender bezels and the iconic “claws”, which now fit more snugly to the case. More dial colours and case sizes have also been created, including watches in 25 mm, 28 mm and 29 mm.

Stepping inside the venue, it was clear for guests to see the evening’s inspiration, with an exquisite backdrop of white and gold that mirrored the “Manhattan” skyline. Amongst the many shapes and textures, the new timepieces were on display and ready for a close-up look.

Cindy Crawford has a very unique connection to the Constellation, as she was part of the collection’s redesign in 1995. Speaking in Shanghai, she said, “I’ve now seen this collection evolve over the past several decades and I’m always impressed by OMEGA’s new designs. It’s such a classic watch, yet these new models prove just how relevant it remains today.”


Alessandra Ambrosio, one of the world’s most recognised super-models, said, “I love fashion that is timeless. The Constellation is the perfect example. It has history and style, and it’s a watch that never loses its charm. That’s the sign of a truly great design.”Nicole Kidman is another watch fan who knows OMEGA and the Constellation very well. Speaking to guests, she said, “I’ve known OMEGA a long time and they’re a brand that cares about quality and advancing their products. We can clearly see that in the Constellation. These watches are made especially for women and they have been able to adapt and change in the most subtle and elegant way.”


The Chinese actress, Liu Shishi, one of OMEGA’s newest ambassadors, said, “It’s my honour to welcome everyone here in my home country. It’s a privilege to be in Shanghai and to share the stage with such great women.”The special evening concluded with a musical performance by the pianist Stephen Ridley as well as the revelation of OMEGA’s new Constellation advertising campaign. The imagery, shot by renowned photographer Damon Baker, features Cindy, Nicole, Alessandra and Liu Shishi, all together in one powerful and beautiful portrait.

For the evening, Cindy, Nicole, Alessandra and Shishi each wore a model from the new Constellation “Manhattan” Jewellery Collection. These 28 mm timepieces are distinguished by their dials made from Australian white opal. The hours are marked by 12 baguette-cut ruby indexes – beautifully matching the red dresses worn by the OMEGA ambassadors.