Tag Archive for: New York

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HUBLOT – Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross

https://www.hublot.com/ – Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross

A Hublot ambassador since 2020, creative director Samuel Ross brings his unique graphic language to watchmaking for the first time with the limited-edition Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross.

https://www.hublot.com/

A 40-year focus on the “Art of Fusion” has resulted in a meteoric rise for Hublot, seeing it catapulted to the pinnacle of innovative watchmaking. With the brand’s ability to combine seemingly diametrically opposed materials, plus an enduring drive to push the boundaries of what is technically and aesthetically possible, it has rewritten the rules of horology, leaving a new design language in its wake.

Fostering a desire to work with the most talented practitioners in alternate fields, the brand introduced its “Hublot Loves Art” initiative more than a decade ago. Hublot has since collaborated with some of the most talented artists and designers of a generation. Ground-breaking in outlook and highly collectable, the resulting watches offer new interpretations of time and timekeeping. The most recent creator to take up the mantle is Samuel Ross.

Mirroring Hublot’s trajectory, renaissance man Ross has experienced an equally breakneck rise to prominence. Describing himself as a creative director, the 30-year-old multi-disciplinary artist, filmmaker, and fashion designer graduated from Leicester De Montfort University in 2012 with a first-class honours’ degree in graphic design and illustration. Since then, he has collaborated with many brands and creative outlets – from Oakley and Nike to Dr. Martens and Mackintosh – launching his men’s Luxury Sportswear label A-Cold-Wall* in late 2015, and his design studio SR_A in 2019.

In 2019, Ross was awarded the prestigious Hublot Design Prize, and a year later he was announced as an official brand ambassador, an occasion marked by the unveiling of REFORM, a sculpture designed to encapsulate 40 years of Hublot. Combining an ancient, organic material (granite) with a modern, manmade one (steel), Ross created his own ‘Fusion’, uniting past and present in a production process that involved both traditional hand-finishing and cutting-edge machining.

The deceptively simple, industrial form of the 40cm high artwork has now been reinterpreted in the 44mm Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross – Ross’s first wristwatch collaboration with Hublot. Ross’s signature use of colour and love of stark geometry and urban design, come together with the innovation and precision that prevail in the work of both Ross and Hublot.

The distinctive, stylised hexagon of the Big Bang case is reflected in the titanium honeycomb mesh used on the sapphire dial, case, case back and strap. A basic building block of nature (seen in environments from beehives and snake’s scales to pineapple skin and snowflakes) the robust and efficient shape, that can be repeated without gaps or overlapping, has been appropriated as a standard for modern-day construction and design thanks to the seamless fit of each unit.

Here the hexagon is a visual symbol of the functionality of the watch – a key strand running through all of Ross’s design. Although it may be a wearable sculpture, Ross never loses sight of the need for it to be durable and ergonomic, the lightweight, openworked titanium structure and malleable rubber strap ensuring its comfort on the wrist. A proponent of colour theory, Ross has chosen orange – representing energy and optimism – for the strap and accents on the crown and tourbillon bridge and lateral bumpers that protect the case, a glowing contrast to the sober grey of the satin-finished case and bezel.

The 282-component, manufacture HUB6035 calibre within beats at 3 Hz and gives 72 hours of power reserve. Just 50 pieces will be produced, each one a piece of art that brings a new perspective and a new visual language

to watchmaking. To celebrate the launch, Ross’s signature colours will envelop Hublot’s 5th Ave boutique in New York City. The takeover will be repeated in Hublot stores across the globe, bringing the Samuel Ross universe to the world of horology.

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Vacheron Constantin – New Flagship in New York City

Vacheron Constantin – New Flagship in New York City

  • Vacheron Constantin opens North American Flagship in New York City
  • The new two-story Boutique celebrates the long-standing relationship between the Maison and America since 1831
  • Client-first experiences include in-house watchmaker, strap customization, interactive digital archives, rotating exhibition space, and the first ever permanent “Les Collectionneurs” vintage offer.

New York, June 2021 – Vacheron Constantin, the luxury Swiss watchmaking Maison with over two hundred and sixty-five years of expertise, is delighted to announce the opening of its North American Flagship in the heart of New York City, at 28 East 57th Street. The boutique pays tribute to the Maison’s deep roots in the United States and commitment to outstanding client service.

“The new Vacheron Constantin Flagship in North America celebrates the relationship between our Maison and America that has existed since 1831. Engaging with the creative spirit of America and its many diverse cultures, Vacheron Constantin is ready to make 28 E 57th Street its new North American home. This Flagship exemplifies Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to excellence and our motto, Do Better if Possible, and That is Always Possible.” – Louis Ferla, Chief Executive Officer, Vacheron Constantin

A 190 year love story with New York

The selection of New York for the location of Vacheron Constantin’s North American Flagship carries powerful symbolism for the Maison. In 1831, Jacques Barthélémi Vacheron wrote a letter stating his intent to expand business to the United States, and in 1832 the company established its first agent in New York. By the twentieth century, Vacheron Constantin timepieces could be found on the wrists of eminent Americans from members of the Rockefeller family, Henry and William James, automobile manufacture James Ward Packard, and actors Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. Of the many innovative and historically important Vacheron Constantin timepieces, special references inspired by American clients include one of the first large wristwatches for aviators, a series of pocket watches for the U.S. Corps of Engineers during WWI, and just a few years later, the cushion-shaped “American 1921”, a classic yet daring tilted-dial design created for the American market. This iconic timepiece celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2021 and is the focus of the New York Flagship opening exhibition.

Immersive experience

Located between Madison and Park Avenue, the new Vacheron Constantin Flagship spans over 4,500 square feet and covers two floors. A distinctive glass façade opens directly onto 57th Street and features a sleek brass-toned design in the shape of the Maison’s emblem, the Maltese Cross. The transparent glass invites collectors and visitors into a discovery of the Maison’s creativity and fine craftsmanship in a harmonious old-meets-new environment fitting the spirit of Vacheron Constantin’s contemporary watchmaking.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an atrium filled with natural light and a double floor height. A striking blue straw marquetry wall with Maltese cross motif creates a focal point that conveys Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to high watchmaking artistry. To the left, an open discovery table welcomes watch collectors and visitors alike to discover beautiful crafts and techniques amongst an assortment of Métiers d’art timepieces.

American 1921 Unique Piece Historique Restoration Restauration Calibre 1921 Making-of 100th anniversary

A large eye-catching screen offers an immersive tour through the history of Vacheron Constantin in the United States via an exclusive interactive experience: the “Chronogram”. Developed in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Chronogram is an innovative tool that uses emerging technologies to digitize Vacheron Constantin’s exceptional body of archives accumulated since 1755, shared with the public for live exploration of the Maison’s heritage.

In-house watchmaker, rotating exhibitions and family-friendly accommodations

A dedicated area within the first floor displays the restoration capabilities of the Maison and rotating exhibitions of historic timepieces from the Vacheron Constantin private heritage collection in Geneva. In a striking design, visitors are met with a sweeping staircase animated with bronze vertical columns inspired by 19th century architecture. As a demonstration of the Maison’s commitment to client-centered service, the second floor opens to an expansive watchmaking bench intended to encourage interaction with an in-house watchmaker as well as a custom strap station presenting both engraving and embossing customization options. A VIP Lounge encourages lingering and a family-friendly bar upstairs is equipped with games and refreshments that truly embody Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to clients.

A window into Vacheron Constantin’s collections

The new Flagship houses the complete Vacheron Constantin timepiece collection from simple to high complications, as well as boutique exclusive models, the first permanent “Les Collectionneurs” vintage watch offering, and a rotating Les Cabinotiers assortment. The newly unveiled American 1921 Pièce Unique re-creation timepiece will also be presented for the occasion of the Flagship opening.

“Les Collectionneurs”

Chosen with patience and talent by the Maison’s heritage department specialists, “Les Collectionneurs” curated collection of vintage Vacheron Constantin watches from the 20th century have been restored and are offered with the same warranty given to contemporary collections. Previously only available at dedicated annual events in Vacheron Constantin boutiques around the world, a rare assortment will be featured in the North American Flagship as the world’s first “Les Collectionneurs” permanent boutique offering.

Les Cabinotiers

Les Cabinotiers, Vacheron Constantin’s approach to single-piece editions, showcases the Maison’s amazing wealth of creative and engineering talent. The department of Les Cabinotiers combines excellence and dedication with a group of master watchmaking professionals who use their wide-ranging scientific knowledge in the latest technical breakthroughs and 18th century watchmaking crafts to perpetuate Vacheron Constantin’s tradition of innovation. Creating both bespoke timepieces on demand from clients as well as timepieces conceived by Vacheron Constantin master watchmakers, Les Cabinotiers translate dreams into reality in mechanical and artistic terms and consistently push the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking today.

A One of a Kind American 1921

To mark the 100th anniversary of the American 1921 watch, Vacheron Constantin has delved into its archives and its horological expertise to offer a faithful reproduction of the American 1921 original timepiece, emblematic of an era. Stemming from an impressive technical feat and epic human saga pushing the limits of fine craftsmanship, the creation of the American 1921 Pièce Unique watch mobilizes the remarkable expertise of the Maison’s Restoration workshop and Heritage department for an entire year. This approach might be a first in the watch industry, reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to the conservation, transmission and continuous enrichment of its heritage and skills.

Inspiration from American Art

In homage to great American art, display windows on 57th Street and the boutique’s first floor exhibition area will be fully encompassed during the opening by a dream-like bronze city including a car and track installation inspired by the masterpiece, Metropolis II (2010), by American artist Chris Burden (1946-2015). From his action-based works in the 1970s that focused on his own body and the relationship of the viewer to it, to the technical feats of his later sculptures that intervened in spaces, artist Chris Burden consistently challenged limitations. By doing so, he reflected on the surreal realities of contemporary life and invited the viewer to join in these contemplations. Vacheron Constantin and Chris Burden’s work share a commitment to craft, and an exploration of the beauty found in scientific exploration. The installation on view pays tribute to a cosmopolitan love of movement and “the idea of a city”. This is the Chris Burden Estate’s historic first ever brand collaboration.

Boutique Address:
Vacheron Constantin
28 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022

Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 12 to 6pm

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TAG Heuer launches third generation luxury connected watch in New York
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TAG Heuer launches third generation luxury connected watch in New York

TAG Heuer unveiled its new luxury connected watch in New York on March 12th. The timepiece combines the purest watchmaking tradition with state-of-the-art technology, accelerating the Swiss watchmaker’s leadership in this category. Jade Ferreol, Product Manager within the team dedicated to the connected watch since the origin of the project in 2015, talks about the Swiss Maison’s avant-garde positioning. 

TAG Heuer launches third generation luxury connected watch in New York

WATCHES & JEWELRY

© TAG Heuer

“Your best performance is the one ahead.” This signature elegantly encapsulates the essence of the new TAG Heuer Connected model and the innovative spirit that has inspired the Maison since its founding.

TAG Heuer pioneered the luxury connected watch segment in 2015 with the creation of its first timepiece in partnership with Intel and Google. “Initially, production of this new watch was set to be a trial,” Jade Ferreol explains. The trial quickly proved a success, spawning the design of a second version in 2017. In the space of six months, the two timepieces emerged as a robust commercial success for the Maison.

© TAG Heuer

To develop the new model recently unveiled in New York, TAG Heuer built out the initial team, forming an inhouse team with an impressive high-tech skillset. “This is the first time that a team counting around 30 software and hardware engineers has come together to work exclusively on a connected watch,” Jade Ferreol notes.

The three pillars of the third-generation TAG Heuer Connected watch are traditional mechanical details – tapping into its rich heritage of Swiss watchmaking savoir-faire – sports performance (a dedicated app developed inhouse for the first time) and customization, with interchangeable straps and watch faces. It embodies the Maison’s commitment to combining traditional mechanical excellence and digital design, powered by bespoke, state-of-the-art software.

© TAG Heuer

“The TAG Heuer Connected watch was designed and engineered with the same passion and attention to detail as our mechanical watches. The Connected watch is not only a beautiful timepiece, it’s a truly immersive experience, now part of a complete TAG Heuer digital ecosystem geared towards performance and sports. The TAG Heuer Connected offers limitless possibilities in terms of future innovation. Thanks to the talent and dedication of our teams, the new Connected is a truly brand-defining product that will lead the way into a new era for TAG Heuer,” says Frédéric Arnault, TAG Heuer’s Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, who has led this ambitious project since its start.

The new TAG Heuer Connected bolsters the Maison’s position in the hotly competitive luxury connected watch segment, offering an elegant and versatile chronograph designed for both everyday life and sports.

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CORE Real Estate - Luxury Home
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CORE Real Estate – Luxury Home – 212 West 18th St PENTHOUSE1, New York, NY 10011

Introducing Penthouse One at Walker Tower, widely considered to be the best penthouse downtown. Rarely does a home so momentous become available – with 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and 3 wood-burning fireplaces amidst 5,955 square feet of pristine interiors and additional 479 square feet of private terraces.

CORE Real Estate – Luxury Home – 212 West 18th St PENTHOUSE1, New York, NY 10011

Spanning the entirety of the top floor at Walker Tower, Penthouse One offers unrivaled luxury and 360-degree views of the Hudson River, World Trade Center and Statue of Liberty in downtown’s most significant building.

 

Agent:
Emily BeareLic. Assoc. RE Broker
(212) 726-0786
Shaun OsherLic. RE Broker
(212) 726-0778
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OMEGA Celebrates The New James Bond Watch in New York
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OMEGA Celebrates The New James Bond Watch in New York

With Special Guests including Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli
OMEGA Celebrates
The New James Bond Watch in New York

As the trusted timepiece of the world’s favourite spy, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has hosted an event in New York to celebrate its newest James Bond watch. Guests were welcomed at The Top of the Standard, where the new Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition was revealed for the very first time. Actor Daniel Craig, as well as producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli made a special appearance for the occasion.

James Bond has been wearing an OMEGA since GoldenEye in 1995 – the choice of Lindy Hemming, the costume designer who worked on all the Bond films between GoldenEye and Casino Royale. As guests arrived at the event in New York, they were greeted by a full display of the unique Seamaster watches worn by the British spy over the past 25 years.

Raynald Aeschlimann, the President and CEO of OMEGA, welcomed everyone inside and introduced the new watch. He said, “James Bond shares many of the same qualities as OMEGA, from exquisite style to adventurous spirit and exacting precision. We can’t wait for everyone to see the new timepiece he’ll be wearing on screen.”

Speaking about his involvement in the design process, Daniel Craig said, “When working with OMEGA, we decided that a lightweight watch would be key for a military man like 007. I also suggested some vintage touches and colours to give the watch a unique edge. The final piece looks incredible.”

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said, “Bond’s military experience is a fundamental part of 007’s character, so it is fitting that OMEGA’s new design so cleverly reflects that aspect of his identity. Bond and OMEGA have been synonymous for almost a quarter of a century now, so as we prepare to launch the 25th Bond movie, the timing is perfect to launch the new Bond watch.”

The new Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition has been purposefully built with the needs of 007 in mind. Crafted from lightweight Grade 2 Titanium, it includes an innovative titanium mesh bracelet, as well as military-style engravings and a vintage appearance thanks to its “tropical” brown aluminium dial and bezel. This non-limited watch will be placed in OMEGA’s iconic current collection and available to customers worldwide from February.

Amongst the many guests in New York were a number of familiar faces including Paul Wesley, Antoni Porowski, and Sean O’Pry. As an added surprise, the spy-inspired night was concluded with a set from world-renowned DJ, Honey Dijon.

www.omegawatches.com
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