Magazine
autumn 2015
Magazine
The season of colour has arrived! Everyone is looking great with the last signs of their summer tan combined with the warm colours of the autumn collections. This time we’re visiting the art scene and we will show you some points of interest in our favorite city of Brussels. We’re going on a weekend to Ostend and we’ll do it in style in the brand new Mc Laren 570. For those who are planning to go further…what about the new Crystal yacht? We will go into detail by showing you another Belgian brand of perfection Vervloet, that specializes in door fittings on the highest level.
We hope you’ll enjoy it.
Koen, member of the DE GREEF team
Les Fournisseurs Brevetés de la Cour de Belgique Hoflieferanten des Belgischen Königshauses
De Gebrevetteerde Hofleveranciers van Belgïe Association of the Belgian Royal Warrant Holders
De Greef N.V./S.A.,Boterstraat 24-26-28 rue au Beurre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium www.degreef1848.be info@degreef1848.be +32 2 511 95 98
Magazine
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On the cover Caroline is wearing the bare essentials, Saturn rings by DE GREEF and a hat by GILLIS.
Autumn 2015 Publisher: DE GREEF
TRENDS
The beau tiful res ult of t between he colla three Be boration lgian com panies LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
TIMEPIECES
CULTURE
GETAWAYS
GOURMET
DE GREEF Rue au Beurre 24-26-28 Boterstraat 1000 BRUSSELS +32 2 511 95 98 info@degreef1848.be Advertising Contact: Brice Wittmann: bw@degreef1848.be Koen Daems: kd@degreef1848.be
Vervloet Atelier Noterman
36
Close-up JLC Géophysic
Maison Particulière
9
The future of exclusive cruising 49
Ron Arad and Ruinart.. 27
30
21
With special thanks to: Océane Taquoi @ www.labelchic.fr Gabriel Vachette @ www.lesrhabilleurs.com
Michel Mouffe McLaren
54 Inside ZENITH
Catherine & Linda @ Tan-dem Aglaée @ Zenith Quinta, Manouck & Hans @ Panerai Anne & Erwin @ Jaeger-leCoultre Céline @ IWC Lydie @ Amigo Rocco Forte Hotels Dirk & Nancy @ Cruiseplus
39
45 Lord of the Chocolate Rings 25 Huyze Elimonica
Jazz Amigo
43
9
We’re actually very proud of our latest photoshoot, so proud that we can’t keep the secret and show you some pictures of the new catalogue coming out in November. Did we want another skinny model looking sad in run out make-up? The answer is NO. Contrary to the first impression of this picture she’s definitely … not feeling blue. The woman who wears De Greef jewellery is happy, an idea that in current magazines seems non-existent.
sapphire ring € 20.550, ring sodalite €3.300, necklace sodalite €2.350, earrings sodalite €2.550, bracelet sodalite €18.750
Links chalcedony ring €6.450, ring €3.290, earrings €6.300, bracelet €8.950
Marshmellows in Milan
sapphire ring € 10.785, necklace twisted €2.500, earrings €2.550, bracelet €8.100, bracelet twisted €2.250
With a little grace in Monaco
ring Saturn quartz â‚Ź5.900, ring Saturn Tzavorite â‚Ź15.450
Campari in Capri
M a i s o n
P a r t i c u l i è r e
“To experience the emotion of art with passion,sensitivity, and beauty.”
From left to right : David Lachapelle-Last Supper 2003, Pierre Chareau- Stools and high table from the Grand Hotel de Tours 1927, Kashmir shawl 18th century, Portable triptych 16th century
M a i s o n
P a r t i c u l i è r e
From peers to pairs, From parity to disparity, From parent to heir apparent... The collectors invited by Maison Particuliere for its latest opus in September 2015 belong to two families who have agreed to play along and have stepped up to the plate by bringing together and presenting works of art from their respective collections that may be coupled as a pair. The mirror effect is augmented by the “I” of their individuality: they see eye to eye, they are family, and they come together as peers who share the same passion for art. Amazing. The elder casts his eyes over traditional arts, in particular, while his son explores new avenues and sharpens his outlook along the way. Along comes his brother, who has developed a passion for photography, only to be caught up by their father. Emulating? PAIR(s) is above all an installation about a shared bond and vision. Simply moving. The walls of Maison Particulière will display works of art from two families of collectors, fathers and their sons. Whether they share a common or a resolutely individual vision, their insatiable curiosity, the very essence of their quest, inextricably defines them. In this particular exhibition, Maison Particulière focuses specifically on showing works of art that belong to collectors. For the very first time, no guest artist or literary guest will be featured. At the very heart of PAIR(s) is the collection, and the collection only. At times akin to a display in a curio cabinet, oftentimes - and mainly - a mirror image of a boundless and devouring passion, PAIR(s) meanders through the flourishing landscape of lives dedicated to art.
Kudzanai Chiurai - The Minister of Enterprise 2009
Kudzanai Chiurai - The Black President 2009
M a i s o n
P a r t i c u l i è r e
A unique venue for an artistic project on a human scale. Maison Particulière is a nonprofit organization, set in a private residence which can be visited without appointment. Nothing is for sale, discovery, appreciation and emotion are all free for the asking. In this house, temporary artexhibits are organized together with artcollectors who choose themselves the artworks they lend us. Maison Particuliere is set in an elegant Belgian townhouse, rue du Châtelain in Brussels. Eclectic in style, it was built around 1880 by architect Jean Léon Janlet, who subsequently expanded it in 1909. In 2010, the building was entirely renovated into the current art center. Natural light bathes the interior. Graced with a small, curving garden in layers of green and white designed by Jean Philippe Miest, the house is a gem of a showcase for art collections. "We wanted the house to be warm and convivial to welcome our guests and members in a calm and serene environment. Its distinctive floorplan features three stories with a series of interconnected sitting areas on each level, a library and a dining room, which gives us myriad options for displaying works of art that move and inspire us."
Practical info TUE-SUN 11am-6pm. 10,00€ - free for children, students under 26, members of the association and ICOM
Rue du Châtelain, 49 - 1050 Brussels +32 (0) 2 649 81 78
From left to right: Matthew Darbyshire - Untitled: Shelves n°11 2012, Daniel Schlier - Chevalier/ Rhinoceros
info@maisonparticuliere.be
It’s about time that we hear again about “The Queen of the cities by the sea”, where Filip and Marc opened their B&B, Huyze Elimonica, named after their mothers. The revival of Ostend goes hand in hand with the complete renovation of their perfect home. They’re actually rare these perfect places … but they exist. A place where you feel at home, where everything is the way it should be. It’s certainly not minimalist but for those who like a little more you’ll never want to leave.. This B&B is your dream getaway for the weekend (or longer) in Ostend.
The Rock Strangers by Arne Quinze in Ostend, just an hour away from Brussels
Ostend Train Station
Huyze Elimonica was completely renovated in 2010, respecting the original layout with two guest apartments and a large en-suite guestroom.
Not a trace of standard soap or tiny towels, here it’s all about plush robes and Bvlgari products to pamper yourself.
One could almost call it obsesive behavior for detail… the walls are finished with Agnes Emery paints. “ I do admire the work by Axel Vervoordt” says Filip ”that understated sophistication, no other interior designer/ antiques dealer comes near.”
Huyze Elimonica Bed & Breakfast
Euphrosina Beernaertstraat 39, B-8400 Oostende +32 479 67 07 09 www.elimonica.be
The mornings can get very long while enjoying the most complete breakfast ever with fresh homemade quiches. It’s a fact that the owners are very proud of.
Notermann
Notermann
Notermann
1848
a ring, a diamond‌ DE GREEF
Galler
Lords of the Chocolate Ring
Chocolatier Galler and jeweller Arnaud Wittmann worked together in creating a 3D printed ring out of chocolate. Wearable? No...Creative? YESSS Sometimes it helps to be a little crazy and to make the effort to create something with the sole purpose being the creating itself. In this way two very different and very Belgian branches, chocolate and jewellery, came together and with the help of Leuven-based 3D printing wizzards realised a ring that seems to be in constant movement, not different from the waves at the seashore.
ann
ed ign s e D
ud rna A by
ttm Wi
Side view
Differ en
t layer s
3D printed parts
The ch ocolate Wave R takes 4 ing 0 mins to prod uce
the concentrated at op Galler’s worksh
The ch ocolate Wave R starts ing to take shape
Smart Gastronomy Lab printing 3D chocolate
The beau tiful res ult of t collabor he ation bet w een thre companie e Belgian s
Geophysic®, The milestone collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre exclusively at
Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre now wishes to share the fruits of its expertise with a broader public. This is why it is introducing an original collection with a pure, uncluttered design, driven by a new Haute Horlogerie calibre encapsulating the inventive spirit of the Manufacture. Geophysic® line reveals its gripping story, so that we can better tell our own. The first glance reveals a clean-cut design that is the epitome of elegance and equilibrium. Each model in the Geophysic® line features several layers of meaning. It gradually unleashes a powerful and innovative horological content expressed through classic characteristics. This refined and contemporary creation asserts its masculine nature in a number of subtle ways. The collection is named after a watch that belongs both to universal history and to the heritage of the Manufacture. In 1958, the International Geophysical Year, JaegerLeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. Capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing nothing of its formidable precision, its overriding characteristic was extreme resistance. The Grande Maison is now choosing to revive this legendary name in two models blending aesthetic elegance, technical sophistication and 21st century user friendliness: the Geophysic® True Second® and the Geophysic® Universal Time.
Geophysic® Universal Time watch the world within reach The world map on the face of the Geophysic® Universal Time, equipped with Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 772, exercises an almost hypnotic fascination. So distant and yet so close, the continents stretch out like an open travel invitation. The sea is depicted by subtly graded lacquered shades of blue, while the engraved continents are graced with a magnificent sunburst finish.
The city disc with its perfectly readable names is fixed so as to help users get their bearings. The eye soon becomes accustomed to seeing London at 6 o’clock and Hong Kong at 2 o’clock. Epitomising an absolute determination to promote simplification, the time is adjusted via the crown and no longer with a pushbutton. Once the universal time has been set, there is no need to adjust it while crisscrossing the world. Travellers need only adjust their own time. Local time is automatically adjusted simply by moving the hour hand forwards or backwards, independently of the minutes and seconds to as to avoid any loss of precision. The endlessly admirable planisphere remains in a fixed position, which means it can host the hour-markers. The compelling Geophysic® Universal Time enables simultaneous readings of the time in all 24 time zones by means of its mobile disc. Both clever and functional, the Geophysic® Universal Time with its 41.6 mm case is available in steel or pink gold.
Geophysic® True Second watch discretion and excellence
The Geophysic® True Second® radiates the kind of stage presence that is the exclusive preserve of great classics. Its finely grained dial lends added texture and further accentuates the readability of the information provided. The hands and hour-markers stand out clearly against their backdrop. The vibrant, graphic Geophysic® True Second® watch comes in steel or pink gold versions, and is adjusted in an extremely intuitive manner. The crown in its neutral position winds the movement, while position 1 serves to set the jumping hours corresponding to the city where the wearer is currently located, as well as the date, and position 2 controls the hours and minutes.
The Geophysic® is in all respects an ideal companion for those who are frequently on the move.
exclusively for Belgium at
Jewellery for doors
Vervloet is an outstanding source of inspiration with more than a century of experience in the field of decorative hardware. Genuine and established know-how, combined with the trust and respect of its customers is the key to the company success. The different stages of manufacturing are integrated in its Belgian workshop and carried out by craftsmen who take decorative hardware from regular door finishes to the rank of object of art. La Maison Vervloet offers thousands of models and bespoke pieces made to meet ever y client desire. Each door handle evokes a sense of luxury and enhances any interior space they are utilized in.
Door Handle on rose ÂŤ Torna Âť Brass with a red Copper coating and a Zebrano wood veneer inlay.
Door Handle on rose « Torna » Brass with a red Copper coating and a blue night shagreen inlay.
NEDDA
Nedda El-Asmar trained as a silversmith, but it is impossible to sum up her various activities over the last twenty years in one word. Openness, flexibility and diversity are key concepts in her thinking and design approach. She is always ready to look beyond what she knows already. She is quick to see possibilities, even if a commission comes from an unexpected source. As a result she has evolved into an acclaimed designer with a broad field of activity, praised as widely for a condom holder as for silver dishes, for cutler y as for water pipes, for dinner services, for leather saddles, for tables and chairs as well as for mussel pots and incense burners. She employs sober, softly undulating shapes that look gracious, contemporar y and timeless. Her fresh, innovative view of tradition is always surprising. Her designs are functional, up-to-date and aesthetic, poetic and a tad secretive. Since 2008 product designer Erik Indekeu has been her business and design partner. They had worked together previously and this partnership and her nomination as Designer of the Year in 2007 mean that the diversification of her projects has gained momentum. Their adagio ‘A world of seemingly simple shapes’ perfectly describes their designs. Chris Meplon Vervloet rue de la Borne 78 B-1080 Brussels Phone: +32(0)2 410.61.50 info@vervloet.com
Door Handle on rose « Torna » Brass with an oil-rubbed finish and a red Python inlay.
M i c h e l M o u ff e p r e s e n t a t i o n 2 7 / 9 E S P A C E D E G R E E F
The creative game of contrasts When two creative minds meet they’re bound to free countless ideas…evolving to interesting experiments. At many times they’ll erupt in discussions that eventually will lead to great beauty. The collaboration between Belgian artist Michel Mouffe and Brussels jeweller Arnaud Wittmann is no exception to the rule. When they met in 2013 at Art Brussels they decided that they should work together on creating a jewellery collection inspired by the artwork of Michel Mouffe. I always let my feelings guide me” says Arnaud Wittmann “At our first meeting I sensed a connection and it soon became clear that Michel was open to a constructive and interesting collaboration, I realised that his experience with organic shapes would prove a great asset to the collection”. And so the first collection by Michel and Arnaud was presented on 27/9 in the Espace De Greef A collection of jewellery that impresses by it’s size and shape, crafted in gold, diamonds, onyx and copper.
M i c h e l m o u ff e p r e s e n t a t i o n 2 7 / 9 E S P A C E D E G R E E F
M i c h e l m o u ff e p r e s e n t a t i o n 2 7 / 9 E S P A C E D E G R E E F
From now until the end of the year Hotel Amigo is the place to be for a jazzy night out on the town. Live sessions by professional musicians straight from the Belgian jazz scene, to be enjoyed in the cosy surroundings of the Amigo Bar. Once again proof that the Hotel Amigo gives it’s all to combine art and music. Every fortnight, on fridays from 7pm to 11pm , the Amigo Bar transforms into a music venue not to be missed. Nipping from a glass of Champagne or tasting one of Davide Trupia’s wonderful concoctions with or without the adapted menu. It’s all about enjoying in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Everybody’s welcome to join the jazz evenings at the Hotel Amigo. A great way to end the busy work week and to start the weekend, just the two of you or with friends. 16 OKTOBER IVORY DRUSS & HIS SHARP KEYS 19.00 u. 6 NOVEMBER BRUCE ELLISON & THE JELLODIES 19.00 u. 20 NOVEMBER BENNY GOODMAN LEGACY QUARTET 19.00 u. 4 DECEMBER FITZGERALD JAZZ QUARTET 19.00 u. 18 DECEMBER D.J.O. (DRUSS JAZZ OLD STYLE) 19.00 u. Bar Amigo Hotel Amigo, rue de l’Amigostraat 1-3,1000 Brussels
INSIDE ZENITH: VISIT TO A 150 YEAR-OLD MANUFACTURE It has taken several years and the foresight of our Belgian neighbours (and friends) for Zenith to finally decide to open its doors to me. Thank you Belgium. Thank you Maison DE GREEF. At last… what I’m telling you isn’t strictly true because ex-Rhabilleur Nicolas had an opportunity to tour the premises in 2011 alongside Jean Fréderic Dufour, former Chief Executive Officer of Zenith and currently of Rolex . Therefore, with immense pleasure and a great deal of humility, I turned up at the Manufacture du Locle as the one and only French representative to re-learn the history of this beautiful House and discover with my own eyes the origins of El Primero, Elite, Pilot and other Christophe Colomb timepieces that we have been reviewing for many years in Les Rhabilleurs. So here is a report by Les Rhabilleurs, illustrated with some home-made photos sprinkled, for the first time, with comments (and photos) by our faithful proof-reader “Coni” who had the opportunity to visit the premises a few days after me. Enjoy!
Zenith: a brief historical review
It’s difficult to summarise Zenith’s 150 year-old history in a few lines but let’s try to focus on the key aspects. Zenith was created by avant-garde watch-maker, Georges Favre-Jacot. His ambition was to produce the most accurate and most reliable timepieces ever made. The only minor (or major, depending on how you see it) problem at the time was that all of the expertise had spread out to neighbouring villages. Physical distance hampered Jacot’s ambition to advance complex mechanics where every component interacts with the adjacent component. In 1865, this pioneer was the first to build big, well-lit buildings to house all aspects of watchmaking under one roof. This venture was successful since combining all of the different elements of watch-making in one place allowed production techniques to advance considerably.
Today, Zenith Manufacture is still located in the exact spot where its founder built the first workshop, namely in the town of Locle where it employed over one tenth of the population at one time. The 20th century epitomises the heyday of accurate time measurement demanded by the plethora of new techniques. With industry controlling its production time, the automotive industry soon got into full swing. From the beginning of the century, various armies developed a taste for technical chronographs: anti-magnetic and anti-dust systems, telemetric scale to establish the enemy’s distance and a fly back function for pilots. Zenith was the first watch-making establishment to produce an automatic chronograph incorporating a column wheel – the mythical calibre, El Primero. Locle manufacture adopted the Zenith name permanently in 1911, on completion of the buildings that give the site its unique exemplary features of industrial architecture.
“Like the watches, everything is beautiful at Zenith – you can feel the meticulous, avantgarde spirit of the brand.” – Coni In 1925, the Company had a 2000-strong workforce involved in the design of watches as well as timing systems used on transport vehicles such as planes, cars, lorries and locomotives, etc. Zenith reached the pinnacle of success with a series of movements, namely the calibre 135, 5011 K and, in 1969, the outstanding El Primero (first automatic chronograph), which made a come-back in 1984 following the quartz crisis, thanks to watch-maker Charles Vermot. In 2000, Zenith teamed up with the LVMH group and was propelled to centre stage of the watch-making scene through the efforts of Jean-Fréderic Dufour.
Zenith: what’s happening today? Zenith currently produces approximately 40,000 watches each year with prices in the €6,000 to €12,000 range. This price range reflects the brand’s desire to combine industrial and manual expertise with a selection of watches fitted with “Maison” calibres. Still located in its 1865 birthplace, Manufacture Zenith nowadays incorporates 80 professions and has almost 250 employees. From artistic flair to more technical expertise, everyone works together under one roof as Georges Favre-Jacot wanted 150 years ago. From technical drawings through to the final polish via prototyping, blueprints, stamping, tool manufacture, research into materials, decoration, assembly and case up, each step is carried out on site. For instance, some watches in the El Primero collection take on average 9
Horlogical complications: From the simplest to the most sophisticated, the majority of horlogical complications can be found in Zenith’s portfolio. The brand also has a legacy of over 600 movement variations designed and produced entirely within its Manufacture. In 1910, for example, Manufacture displayed an innovative approach by patenting the “indicator mechanism for the development of the spring motor” in its watches. This heralded the arrival of the power reserve display. “Watch-makers play a key role in the assembly, testing and presentation of these small, fascinating components. All of these craftsmen intent on presenting us with a remarkable product make me think that being passionate about something is also knowing and recognising what goes on behind the scenes…” – Coni
“I realise that many of the stages involved in the company’s success story are due to human intervention. In other words, machines are relegated to second place …” – Coni
Collections: Five main groups make up the Zenith collections: El Primero (of course), Academy (an expression of horlogical innovation), Elite (an elegant range with a timeless design), Pilot (the legacy of a military past) and Star (for the ladies). “My favourite is the Georges Favre-Jacot ACADEMY, which, in my opinion, is by far the most impressive timepiece with its constant force fusée-and-chain transmission. With its impressive aperture at midday, it is still very legible and pleasant to look at. A high quality finish.” – Coni
I would like to thank Zenith once again for inviting me, Coni for his enthusiasm and the Maison De Greef in particular for having made it all possible. In fact, it’s great to know that we can count on our neighbours more than our fellow countrymen. Gabriel Vachette
Les Rhabilleurs is a watch magazine created 6 years ago by Gabriel Vachette. As a visionary editor, he takes perverse pleasure in breaking the « luxury watches » world’s codes by bringing his creative and strategic savoir-faire along with a little extra of impertinence required to enthrall readers with varied interests. He surrounds himself with a just as motivated team with whom he makes the bet of quality rather than quantity. The name « Les Rhabilleurs » reveals their watchmaking vision and style. This term embodies their editorial policy whom objective is to provide a more « lifestyle » view of watchmaking while producing their own creations (photoreports, videos, test, etc.).
Black swans represent a metaphor for the seemingly impossible. Following their discovery in Western Australia in 1697, black swans came to symbolise events that challenged perceived wisdom and re-shaped the world. The McLaren Sports Series is the black swan moment for the sports car, with its unique combination of high performance, outstanding luxury and race derived technical innovation. No other competitor offers lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis construction, incredibly striking dihedral doors or as much horsepower in a sports car weighing so little. And no other sports car is as exciting to drive.
Its dramatic, futuristic design is as eye-catching as it is functional. The distinctive nose of the Sports Series is inspired by McLaren Formula 1™ race cars, shrink-wrapped dihedral doors are intricately contoured to channel cool air to the engine bay, and ‘flying buttress’ rear pillars create an athletic silhouette while increasing downforce for reassuring handling.
The McLaren designed 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with amazing performance, incredible response and outstanding refinement is the beating heart of the Sports Series. Positioned behind the driver and sending power to the rear wheels alone to offer the same impeccable agility as our racing cars, this powerful engine is complemented by a state-of-the-art seamless-shift gearbox for ultra-fast, ultra-smooth gearshifts. Key to the usability of the Sports Series is its versatility: adaptive suspension can switch from limousine-like comfort to race car composure at the press of a button; the interior is spacious, the generous luggage compartment capable of holding up to 144 litres; even the servicing schedule offers maximum convenience with 10,000-mile or annual intervals.
Avenue Louise 231-235 B-1050 Bruxelles +32 470 59 59 59
www.mclarenbrussels.com