ROX AW21

DIAMONDS & THRILLS

HAPPY DIAMONDS JULIA ROBERTS’ THOUSANDWATT SMILE FOR CHOPARD

WING OF PRAYERS

BREMONT’S BRINGING WATCHMAKING HOME CARRERA PATHS PORSCHE AND TAG HEUER MEET AT LAST

JOYFUL & TRIUMPHANT LIVE, LAUGH AND LOVE, TOGETHER AGAIN AT LAST

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BIG BANG UNICO 18K King Gold and ceramic case.

In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

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T I M E T O R E AC H YO U R S TA R

Z E N I T H - W AT C H E S . C O M

T H E F U T U R E O F S W I S S WATC H M A K I N G S I N C E 18 6 5

CHRONOMASTER SPORT

ALPINE EAGLE XL CHRONO The pure yet bold Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is a column-wheel chronograph equipped with a flyback function. Its 44 mm case houses the Chopard 03.05-C chronometer-certified automatic movement, for which three patents have been registered. This exceptional timepiece is made of Lucent Steel A223, an exclusive ultra-resistant metal based on four years of research and development. Proudly handcrafted by our artisans, it represents the expertise and innovation cultivated in our Manufacture.

A LT 1 - W T

As Bremont becomes Official Timing Partner to Williams Racing, the two firms will be starting a new journey together going into the 2021 Formula One season and beyond

INTRODUCING

RIVIERA

Please enjoy Dom Perignon Responsibly, Over 18s only

THINK A CENTURY AHEAD Each decanter is the life achievement of generations of Cellar Masters.

Please Enjoy Responsibly

www.LOUISXIII-cognac.com

ROX MAGAZINE

EDITOR'S LETTER

WELCOME ... to this year’s bumper issue of ROX More than the objects per se, Magazine, in which we unabashedly however, it’s the experience of take our cues from a single word: discovering and sometimes even designing them that brings as much joy – which is where ROX excels, beyond JOY! the seasonal cultivation of their window displays. Anyone who’s had a Last winter it was ‘together’, as we few hazy evenings at one of our parties tentatively eased out of isolation (or will know all too well. Any couple that’s so we thought) but now we really are, spent a relaxed Saturday afternoon finally, back together – which really is choosing their dream wedding rings, something to be happy about. And as also. Or perhaps something from this luck would have it, ROX finds itself very magazine has chimed, inspiring specifically in the business of ‘joy’, so you to take the plunge on that Hublot. you’ve come to the right place.

It’s all about connecting, for the Proposals, marriages, graduations, best reasons going. And it’s a joy to be milestone birthdays, anniversaries, in that very business. plain old self-indulgence (though Wishing you happier-than-usual perhaps not extravagant apologies): all reading. occasions of joy marked by jewellery or a fine wristwatch. Eternal totems of positivity, imbued with increasingly Alex Doak and Laura fuzzy feelings the longer they’re worn, McCreddie-Doak generation to generation.

Editors-at-large

EDITORS’ PICKS

Hublot Watch 76846 | £33,000

TOM FORD

ROX Love Diamond Ring 77923 | £9,500

SAINT LAURENT

Hublot Watch 76275 | £11,200

www.rox.co.uk

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HAPPY HEARTS - Handcrafted in Ethical Gold -

ROX MAGAZINE

CONTENTS 28

WISH LIST This seasons must have fashion, accessories and watches.

37

WATCH ANATOMY Wrap your glazzies around this choodessny piece: the latest feat of alchemy to emerge from Hublot’s materials skunkworks.

40

BONNY ON CLYDE Every discerning globetrotter’s bible has called it: Glasgow is officially the UK’s best city break destination.

45

CONTENTS

THE

JOY

INDEX

Charting what’s finally back on the agenda, with ROX’s miscellany of happy-making, posi-vibing, exuber-fying facts, figures, bits and bobs.

WHAT IS JOY ANYWAY? More than happiness, relegated to ‘contentment’ by the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘joy’ is a vivid emotion of pleasure… neurotransmitted by SEROTONIN

WESTERN STAR The eateries of the far north are back in world-beating business, showcasing our shores’ rich produce and cuisine.

49

GREAT DRIVES There is still so much to explore, right on our doorstep.

53

CATWALK AGENDA After the strangest year of our lives, fashion is back with a bang.

63

key lubricant to your brain’s emotional nervecentre: the hippocampus

NIGHT FEVER As we rediscover the art of partying once again, we do so with unbridled joy and passion.

90

WATCH JOURNAL A must read for gents looking to update their watch collection.

100

MECHANICS TO THE MAX The wind-up watch is becoming the essence of anti-obsolescence: life-proof and future-proof.

1587: Venetian anatomist Julius Caesar Aranzi likens temporal horn of the brain's lateral ventricle to a seahorse (Latin, hippocampus, from the the Greek ‘horse’ and ‘sea monster’)

www.rox.co.uk

25

ROX MAGAZINE

AL FRESCO

JOY BOOSTER

}

20 minutes a day outdoors – or 40 minutes a week workout – both proven to:

MARRIED people are 10% happier than unmarried people –

FACT!

LIVIN’ JOY …or where to move to find your groove, according to Rightmove’s Happy at Home Top 20: #2: beauteous, historic Skipton, Yorkshire

Albanian

Gëzuar!

Chinese

ganbei!

RANKED!

GEMS

JOYOUS

Danish

Skål!

Finnish

Kippis!

French

A votre santé!

Gaelic (Irish)

Sláinte!

German

Prost!

Hebrew

L’chaim!

Italian Japanese

#6: ridiculously scenic Kendal, Cumbria

www.rox.co.uk

IN BOOK FORM

• supercharge mood, *instantly* • stimulate and >focus< thought • leeeengthen mmmmmemory

#5: Scotland’s ancient capital, Perth

26

HAPPINESS

CHEERS!

JOY INDEX

Salute! kampai!

Latin

Bibite!

Maori

Kia ora!

Russian

Na zdorovye!

Spanish

¡Salud!

Welsh

DIAMOND, D obviously Ruby, ruby, ruby, RUBYYY! AMETHYST

(e.g. Gucci’s roarsome Lion Head)

GREEN AGATE

(e.g. Chopard ‘Happy Hearts’, enough said)

TIGERS EYE

Iechyd da!

How to Build a Girl Caitlin Moran (2014) The Pursuit of Love Nancy Mitford (1945) Scoop Evelyn Waugh (1938) The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ Sue Townsend (1982) Crazy Rich Asians Kevin Kwan (2013)

ROX MAGAZINE

TOP TOPOF OF

THE THESCOTS SCOTS

CONTENTS...

110

Jermaine Jermaine Stewart, Stewart, WeWe Don’t Don’t Have Have to to Take Take Our Our Clothes Clothes OffOff (club (club mix) mix) (1986) (1986) Sylvester Sylvester and and Patrick Patrick Cowley, Cowley, DoDo Ya Ya Wanna Wanna Funk Funk (1982) (1982) Diana Diana Ross, Ross, I’mI’m Coming Coming Out Out (1980) (1980)

114

WITH WITHJOY JOY

126

10:10 10:10

Madame Madame LilyLily Bollinger Bollinger (1899–1977) (1899–1977)

Never Never 01:50, 01:50, always always ‘ten‘ten ten’: ten’: thethe most most pleasing pleasing arrangement arrangement of hands of hands in every in every brand brand shot shot – though, – though, for for symmetry’s symmetry’s sake sake usually usually closer closer to to 10:08 10:08 – cradling – cradling thethelogo logowith witha a“V”“V”for forvictory. victory.

(Time (Time for for tea,tea, too.) too.)

WRIST APPEAL From dazzling diamonds to skater chic, here’s what your wrist should be sporting this season.

134

HIGH SHINE Shine bright in breath-taking diamonds and the latest luxury timepieces.

On On when when to drink to drink the the world’s world’s happiest happiest libation: libation:

“I drink “I drink champagne champagne when when I'mI'm happy happy andand when when I'mI'm sad.sad.

Sometimes Sometimes I drink I drink it it when when I'mI'm alone. alone.

When When I I have have company company I consider I consider it obligatory. it obligatory.

I trifle I trifle with with it ifitI'm if I'm notnot hungry hungry andand drink drink it when it when I am.

I am.

Otherwise, Otherwise, I never I never touch touch it it – unless – unless I'mI'm thirsty.” thirsty.”

WATCH THIS SPACE We catch up with @thegentlemanselect to see what’s making him tick right now.

The The Human Human League, League, Don’t Don’t You You Want Want MeMe (1981) (1981)

BUBBLING BUBBLING

BREMONT ON HIGH Britain’s biggest watchmaker reaches higher altitude still.

(or (or top-five top-five party party starters, starters, chez chez ROX ROX Argyll Argyll Arcade) Arcade)

Chaka Chaka Khan Khan and and Rufus, Rufus, Ain’t Ain’t Nobody Nobody (1983) (1983)

CONTENTS

146

MAKING THE CUT Nothing sparks joy quite like the charm of an exquisitely crafted piece of jewellery but who are the masters behind the craftsmanship?

154

ART OF SEDUCTION Sexy, polished perfection is what we want when it comes to party season make-up.

164

WHEELS TO WHEEL TAG Heuer of Carrera chronograph fame and Porsche of Carrera 911 fame finally tie the knot.

170

EXTREME E Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and other motorsport heroes are championing a new electric racing series conceived to raise awareness of climate change.

186

HUBLOT LOVES (FANTASY) FOOTBALL What sort of starting XI might the watchmaker Hublot have had in mind, out of its 2021 squad? www.rox.co.uk

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WISH LIST

ROX MAGAZINE

If there’s one thing that should be hanging in every wardrobe this season, it’s a classic jumper ready for any occasion and this Valentino jacquard sweater will become your go-to no matter what your plans are.

Stars can’t shine without darkness and while diamond’s glisten no matter the time of day, the dark dial of this Zenith Defy Midnight really allows them to dazzle. This 36mm beauty features an intricate starry sky detail with 11 brilliant cut diamonds bringing a touch of wonder to this remarkable timepiece.

75478 | £9,300

Arm candy has a new meaning this season as bangles make a return as one of the hottest trends. Perfect for layering or to make a solo statement this ROX Adore diamond bangle is a must-have.

76890 | £3,400

“Diamonds are happier when they are free.” Those were the famous words of Chopard legend Karin Scheufele. She believed that you don’t lock that which is precious, be it diamonds or women.

That spirit is captured in the Happy Diamonds collection and this classic pendant featuring a single dancing diamond in its centre.

76451 | £3,270

Forget every angel; every ROX Woman needs a halo. And what better halo than these emerald cut earrings? Part of the ROX Love collection they are effortlessly charming no matter what the occasion.

74394 | £1,495

For heeled sandals that leave an impression, look no further than Amina Mauddi. A firm favourite of stars like Rhianna the distinctive, fluted, heel makes them some of the most coveted sandals in the world. Pair yours with sleek tailoring.

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www.rox.co.uk

When it comes to finding the perfect pear, this ROX diamond dress ring doesn't disappoint. A real showstopper, it’s a mesmerising design that is sure to become a treasured family heirloom passed through the generations.

77560 | £3,295

Swap a cold winter’s evening for a sensual oasis with the help of this ROX Champaca Rhum luxe diffuser. Snuggle up and relax as Davana, Jasmine and spicy floral Cassis combine to create a soothing and opulent aroma.

74727 | £30

ROX MAGAZINE

#ROXWishList It’s no secret that a ROX Woman has stardust in her soul and what better way to celebrate that than with this Cosmic ring? The ultimate accessory for those who dare to dream.

75438 | £1,295

Smart and polished this Saint-Laurent wool blazer promises to have heads turning. Wear yours with a silk slip dress, tights and classic sling backs for the ultimate look.

Did you know Jennifer Lopez once said: “Women should never go without earrings. Passing on them is an opportunity missed”? As if she couldn’t be more of an inspiration. We’re pretty sure this pair of ROX Honour platinum earrings would be an opportunity JLo would grab with both hands.

75904 | from £3,995

Your next Alexander McQueen footwear obsession is right here. These white ankle boots are a cool hybrid of the brand’s chunky sneakers and retro hiking styles. Not only are they perfect for the unpredictable weather, but they’re also the ultimate style chameleon and work with any outfit from floaty dresses to leather joggers.

This Spirit of Big Bang watch might be crafted in Hublot’s famous king gold but it’s a timepiece fit for a queen.

Elegance is reinvented in this 39mm model and is a must have for the ROX Woman proud to wear her style on her sleeve this season. Trust us when we say beige is anything but basic here.

76351 | £19,900

Bring some sunshine on a cloudy day with this ROX Love yellow diamond ring. As the nights grow darker and the weather colder, bask in the warm glow of this impeccably crafted halo design.

76157 | from £11,295 Think of Gucci and you more than likely think of bold, daring designs, however, there’s more to the iconic brand than just that. This delicate bracelet leaves a lasting impression without demanding too much attention making it the perfect all-rounder.

76398 | £320

WISH LIST

Putting on the glitz is a must this season. If there was ever a season to dare to add a little extra sparkle, it’s this one. Whether you’re planning a late lunch with friends or are raising a glass to a milestone moment in a bustling bar this ROX Adore diamond necklace is the perfect plus one.

76902 | £1,680

www.rox.co.uk

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WISH LIST

ROX MAGAZINE

Being the lady in red has never been so cool thanks to this Chopard Happy Sport. Featuring the brand’s iconic happy diamonds and rubies that dance across the dial, this 30mm watch is the epitome of luxury.

74920 | £6,310

Putting a modern twist on a classic engagement ring doesn’t always mean going for something outlandish.

This season it’s all about mixing the traditional with the contemporary to create a captivating design that will stand the test of time. This ROX princess and baguette cut ring is the perfect example of just that.

77607 | from £3,650

Embrace your personal style and take a moment to appreciate yourself with this Alaïa cropped leather bustier top. Pair with high-waisted tailoring and a sharp blazer or wear over a crisp white shirt.

AW21 style is getting personal with initial inspired jewellery. Capturing your style is made simple with a little help from this ROX initial pendant. Wear on its own or layer with a diamond necklace for extra sparkle.

76366 | from £675 There are few things you can be sure of in life but you can guarantee that this Saint-Laurent leather belt will be a wardrobe staple this season.

The world of fashion and jewellery is constantly evolving but one thing is certain, a classic never goes out of style. The charm of this ROX diamond tennis bracelet will last more than just a season, it’ll last a lifetime - promise.

69672 | £2,995

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www.rox.co.uk

Hoop earrings aren’t a new trend but statement hoops are the ‘it’ earring of 2021. There’s more to the trend than just chunky hoops we’re seeing on the high street. These ROX diamond hoop earrings are a modern classic that promise to impress.

74165 | £6,995

There’s an unmistakable beauty in simplicity, something that’s captured in this TAG Heuer Carrera diamond watch. Exuding sophisticated elegance, this classic 32mm model glistens with a diamond encrusted crown and mother of pearl dial.

76255 | £3,050

ROX MAGAZINE

WISH LIST

Impeccable craftsmanship meets eternal elegance in this ROX Cascade diamond bangle. Exclusive to ROX the yellow bangle, featuring 46 brilliant cut diamonds, brings a touch of warmth to chilly winter evenings.

77870 | £5,200

There’s nothing that can make your heart skip a beat quite like a beautifully crafted diamond pendant. Need proof?

This ROX diamond halo necklace is guaranteed to make you swoon. A true jewellery box classic.

75594 | £1,495

This Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori is one for those not afraid to walk on the wild side. Boasting a sensual, supple bracelet design, the Serpenti Seduttori is designed to resemble the skin of a serpent.

76458 | £10,400

AW21 is set to be the season that you fall in love with Gucci more than you already have. The Link to Love collection is an exploration of modern romance in all of its glory. Stack this rose gold design with others from the same collection - you can never have too much romance, after all.

76864 | £695

Love [luv] noun: an intense feeling of deep affection for another - and this beautifully crafted radiant cut ring.

This 2.02ct masterpiece is handcrafted in platinum and is fittingly part of the ROX Love collection. Designed to tell your story, it’s an enchanting ring that promises to dazzle for decades to come.

77597 | £24,195

This pick is one for the Cosmic Girls among us. Take your look out of the stratosphere with these exclusive ROX Cosmic stud earrings. Capturing the magic of shooting stars, they are a celebration of the beauty of the universe.

72529 | £2,995

If a woman's handbag gives an insight into her personality this plush YSL beauty will paint you as a modern classic.

For a ring that exudes classic yet contemporary style look no further than this ROX Adore diamond dress ring. The 18 beautifully cut princess diamonds bring an art deco touch to this handcrafted platinum design.

77565 | £2,995

Since they debuted at Milan Fashion Week earlier in the year these Valentino Garavani Roman stud point toe flats have had fashion lovers swooning the world over. Style and substance collide in this popular design.

www.rox.co.uk

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WISH LIST

ROX MAGAZINE

As the nights grow darker and the weather colder, relax with the ROX Luxe Vetiver Kashmir Scented Candle.

Become wrapped in velvet scents of wood, spice and citrus as hints of Bergamot tell tales of chilled winter evening’s with wistful aromatic flavours.

75937 | £35

There have been moments in recent times when it has felt like we haven’t been living in real life. That’s what Balenciaga has captured in this simple black motif t-shirt, inspired by this season as a computer game.

Making a statement comes naturally with the Bomberg Black & Red Special Edition. Part of the Bolt-68 line this 45mm model promises to leave an impression. Blazing electric red contrasts with the black dial to create a futuristic sports watch.

75360 | £1,195

Who said sunglasses were strictly a summer trend? Whether you’re jetting off for winter sun or staying cool a little closer to home, don’t forget to pack these Saint Laurent shades.

Style and substance collide in this 45mm Zenith Defy Extreme. Crafted in 18ct rose gold and titanium this masterpiece of haute horlogerie houses the famous El Primero 21 movement and the 1/100th of a second chronograph calibre. Its skeletonised dial gives a glimpse into centuries of master craftsmanship and is a must have for both style and watch aficionados this season.

76725 | £18,500

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www.rox.co.uk

Whether it’s the influence of trailblazers like Harry Styles or Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele, this season it’s fanciest finger first rather than fastest. Speaking of Gucci, capture the trend with the brand’s GG Marmot aged silver ring.

75128 | £230

There’s no denying the charm of a classic chronograph. The clean, simple lines of this 42mm Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT are the epitome of timeless design. A ROX Man always on the go needs a timepiece that is a constant companion, moving seamlessly from occasion to occasion and this blue dial GMT is exactly that.

76466 | £13,800

ROX MAGAZINE

Having swagger is one thing but capturing timeless style, that's an art all of its own. And it's one that this Tudor Pelagos has mastered. Crafted in titanium this 42mm with a contrasting black dial, it promises to be a staple of any wardrobe.

63267 | £3,440

WISH LIST

Accuracy is everything for the ROX Man. As the pace of life slowly begins to pick up once again making the most of every moment is a must. Master both time and style this season with this WOLF Cub single-watch winder. Handmade since 1834, WOLF are the only watch winders that accurately count every turn.

76168 | £239

Since 1988, Chopard has been the main sponsor and official timekeeper of the world-famous Mille Miglia road race from Brescia to Rome and back.

To celebrate the historic partnership Chopard creates a limited edition Mille Miglia model ever year and this 2021 design promises to set hearts racing. Limited to just 250 pieces, this 44mm model is number 35. More than just a collector’s item this rose gold timepiece is a style icon in its own right.

76834 | £9,560

When it comes to wearing your style on your sleeve, a watch isn’t your only option. Up your wrist game and compliment your luxe timepiece with this Gucci bangle. Pledge your allegiance to the double G and elevate your style with this interlocking sterling silver design.

76958 | £345

We don’t know but we’ve been told, military boots never get old.

Especially these utilitarian style Celine Homme’s Patapans boots made from army-green canvas.

Bigger isn’t always better. Not convinced? Look no further than the 42mm Hublot Big Bang Unico. Known for continually pushing the boundaries of luxury watch making, it’s hardly surprising that this model might be smaller but no less mighty. Expect unparalleled performance as the inhouse Unico movement is redesigned in a more compact size.

76843 | £16,500

An oldie but a goodie, the Gucci 1930s ‘Rhombi’ monogram is still a staple of the brand’s collections. In a true celebration of classic style, pair this polo with wide leg trousers and loafers in a nod to Gucci’s retro influences.

www.rox.co.uk

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WISH LIST

ROX MAGAZINE

Bold and unashamedly daring the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli isn’t just a watch, it’s a conversation starter. Limited to just 88 pieces this 45mm model is set to be one of this season’s hottest timepieces. In this exclusive partnership with Pirelli – a pioneer in the world of motorsport – the strap is made of award-winning motorsport tire rubber.

77881 | £68,000

With travel back on the agenda for what seems like a lifetime, preparation is key. Don't forget to pack this WOLF Blake single watch roll for your next adventure, no matter if it's near or far.

76180 | £60

Time to add a pop of colour to your watch collection? Haute horlogerie is going green and it's becoming one of this season's fastest-growing trends. This TAG Heuer Aquaracer captures the trend vividly with its 43mm moss green dial.

76558 | £3,500

If there’s one lesson we have all taken from lockdown, it’s the importance of comfort. Now as we embrace the new normal we’re also mastering the art of smart-casual dressing. Need inspiration? Loro Piana’s jacket, lined with lofty virgin wool, is set to be your go-to this season.

This is one for the adventurous among us. This Bremont Martin Baker has been put through the same extensive testing schedule that ejection seats go through.

From altitude and aircraft carrier deck testing to live ejection trials to put the timepiece under watch under extreme G forces, this 43mm model is tested beyond endurance.

76085 | £3,995

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www.rox.co.uk

Remember ‘The One with Joey’s Bag’?

The 1999 episode of hit series Friends was ahead of its time as the man bag is big news this season. Embrace the trend with this handcrafted Bottega Veneta's briefcase.

ROX MAGAZINE

After 18-months of not needing to dress to impress, piecing together the perfect outfit isn’t always easy. Just how do you decide what makes the cut for a prime time outing with so many options to choose from? Well with this Moncler reversible jacket, you don’t. Choose between classic shell and logo-print fleece depending on your vibe.

The new era of the Zenith Chronomaster has begun. An emblem of 21st century watchmaking, the all-new Chronomaster Sport launches a sporty, ceramic-bezelled redux, accompanied by an evolution of the coveted El Primero calibre.

76250 | £8,300 There’s no feeling quite like putting on a fresh, pristine, white pair of sneakers.

Check out Saint Laurent’s versatile Andy Moon sneakers for all of your socialising needs.

WISH LIST

Saying “I do” to a wedding ring that captures your style can seem daunting. After all, no one wants a run of the mill design to capture such a milestone moment. This exclusive ROX Adore wedding ring is crafted in platinum and features a subtle row of diamonds allowing your personality to shine through.

76178 | £4,295

Change is inevitable both in life and in the world of luxury watchmaking.

While this Jacob & Co Epic x Titanium watch pays homage to centuries of craftsmanship there's no escaping it is a modern evolution of one of the most traditional forms of watchmaking.

The open-worked dial offers a unique glimpse into the inner-workings of a horological masterpiece.

77644 | £18,000

Get ready for the green list. Every stylish traveller needs a Rimowa in their life. And nothing says seasoned pro at packing than a back pack and it doesn’t get cooler than this one.

Being a leader takes many skills but mostly it's about being unafraid of going against the status quo and making history on your own terms. A bit like this Hublot Spirit of Big Bang.

Complete with a 42mm skeletonised barrel-shaped dial, it's a luxury watch for those ready to make a statement without uttering a word.

76882 | 18,700

www.rox.co.uk

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Please enjoy Glenmorangie Responsibly, Over 18s only

ROX MAGAZINE

WATCH ANATOMY

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE Wrap your glazzies around this choodessny piece: the latest feat of alchemy to emerge from Hublot’s materials skunkworks, casing up a micro-rotor-powered tourbillon in sapphire crystal, coloured orange for the first-ever time. Words by Alex Doak.

MHUB6035 is powered by the movement of your wrist, mediated via the spin of a grey, 22-carat gold micro-rotor at 12 o’clock, mirroring the tumbling tourbillon below with pleasing symmetry, hand-decorated with bevelling, sunray-brushing and sand-blasting.

After a fully transparent case in 2016, followed by black, blue, red and yellow, Hublot has well and truly cemented its syntheticsapphire credentials here, packaged in the world’s first orange sapphire case – achieved thanks to the incorporation of titanium and chromium into the aluminium-oxide crystal, somewhere between 2,000 and 2,050 degrees Celsius.

The legibility of the open dial is enhanced by hands and indices flecked with orange-tinted Super-LumiNova luminescent coating.

To make the micro-rotor visible dial-side required a novel layout of mechanics – an additional technical challenge for the designers, of course, but an approach that breathes new life in aesthetic terms, suspended diaphanously from skeletonised platinum.

Not satisfied with pioneering orange synthetic sapphire alone, Hublot’s quest for transparency led to using more sapphire in the movement itself. Calibre MHUB6035 is equipped for the first time with three sapphire bridges, substituting the usual steel plates.

76280 | £140,000

The transparent orange rubber strap, lined in sweat-wicking relief boasts a patented ‘One Click’ interchangeability system and titanium deployant buckle – completes the cutting-edge look of this limited edition release of 50 pieces

On top of the orange sapphire, this watch furthers Hublot’s mastery of the tourbillon, which it’s been elevating in typically modernist fashion since 2007. Over 200 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet would no doubt be proud of his frictionreducing invention's modernist reincarnation!

www.rox.co.uk

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CULTURAL RADAR

ROX MAGAZINE

CULTURAL RADAR

Keep your ear to the tracks, fingers on pulses, eyes on the prize and the rest of your anatomy wherever looks good. With the world finally opening up, it's not so much a return to normality as a joyous headlong dive into a smorgasbord of rebooted cultural OOMPH. Take note, tune in, wise up! Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

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THE SCREEN

THE EXHIBITION

THE STREAM

LICORICE PIZZA

EMILY SPEED: FLATLAND, TATE LIVERPOOL

A VERY BRITISH SCANDAL BBC ONE

Indy auteur, Paul Thomas Anderson, is following up his mesmeric and opulent Phantom Thread with something a little grungier in tone. It follows a high-school student in the 1970s who is trying to become an actor, with that role being played by Cooper Hoffman, son of the late Philip Seymour, who was a Paul Thomas Anderson regular. The name of the film is a reference to a chain of record stores that existed in Southern California in the 1970s and Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, and one third of girl-group Haim, Alana. Very little is known about the film at the time of writing but given Anderson's past form, we’re sure to be in for a visual and emotional delight.

Known for her exploration of the relationship between the body and architecture, this is British artist Emily Speed’s first solo exhibition. Inspired by a Victorian novella, which envisioned a world where everything was limited to two dimensions and where all women are just thin, straight lines, this film installation takes that story and uses it to explore how people are shaped by the buildings they occupy. Using four female performers she offers a snapshot of a day in the life of this community of women, who start as thin, rigid forms before becoming more vibrant and three dimensional. It sounds anything but flat. https://www.creativetourist.com/event/ flatland/

Now being turned into an anthology series, thanks to Hugh Grant’s skin-crawlingly lecherous turn as disgraced MP Jeremy Thorpe, the next in the series focuses on the scandalous divorce of Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll from her second husband, the 11th Duke of Argyll.

The Duke suspected his beautiful wife of having affairs, so broke into her locked cupboards where he found Polaroids of a naked Duchess in a compromising position with an unidentifiable man. In court the Duke accused Margaret of having slept with 88 men during their marriage. The press seized upon these details and slut-shamed Margaret, who died in poverty. With Claire Foy and Paul Bettany taking the main roles this should be a delicious winter televisual treat.

www.rox.co.uk

ROX MAGAZINE

CULTURAL RADAR

THE COFFEE TABLE CHANEL CATWALK Chanel’s No5 is arguably the most famous fragrance in the world. Marilyn Monroe famously only wore it to bed, Andy Warhol created art out of its instantly recognisable bottle shape, while the 2004 advert for it starring Nicole Kidman and directed by Baz Luhrmann remains the most expensive bit of marketing in the world, clocking in at $33m. All this and more is contained in this two-volume book to celebrate the perfume’s 100th birthday, from its creation in 1921 by Gabrielle Chanel who insisted on a bottling a scent that smelled artificial, through the post-war years when it became a global sensation to the iconic women who have been its face. It’s gorgeous to look at and mustread for anyone interested in how a simple fragrance became an iconic cultural touchpoint.

THE PODCAST

THE ALBUM

THE NIGHTSTAND

SONG EXPLODER

LA LUZ, BY LA LUZ

CALL US WHAT WE CARRY

BY AMANDA GORMAN

Want to know how Mercury-Prize winner Arlo Parks wrote Black Dog? Interested in why a Pakistani singer, Nazia Hassan was so instrumental to Khruangbin’s So We Won’t Forget? Would you like to find out all the heartbreak that went into Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way? Tune into the Song Exploder, the podcast that gets well-known musicians to dissect some of their most famous tracks. Host and creator Hrishikesh Hirway interviews the stars then edits himself out of the conversation, so you just hear their insights.

From Billie Eilish and Caribou to Mobb Deep and Slipknot, it is a fascinating peek behind the creative curtain.

La Luz is back with its particular brand of woozy, surfer noir. Founded in Los Angeles in 2012 by Shana Cleveland, Marian Li Pino, Alice Sandahl, and Abbey Blackwell, the band has had critical acclaim for its previous three albums and, if the singles that have been released so far are anything to go by then this self-titled album will follow suit. Produced by Adrian Younge, who has worked with the likes of Ghostface Kiliah and A Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the record has a sleazy/pretty vibe, with Tarantino -esque jangling guitars juxtaposed with the women’s beautifully layered vocal harmonies. Stick it on and imagine you’re driving across California in the 1970s.

Poetry has never been more popular or more different from the intractable reams we were forced to study at school. Amanda Gorman, who you might remember from Joe Biden’s inauguration, is one of this new wave of poets, with a style that draws spoken-word but with internal rhymes commonly found in hip-hip. At the centre of this book is the poem she wrote for the inauguration The Hill We Climb, which was a call to action to US citizens to come together and rebuild a better America after Trump, but the publisher’s notes promises more of Gorman’s poetic thoughts on themes such as grief, identity, memory, and hope. Expect to be blown away.

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STAYCATION

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BONNY ON CLYDE Every discerning globetrotter’s bible has called it: Glasgow is officially the UK’s best city break destination – and as home to ROX’s debutante showroom, who are we to argue? Words by Alex Doak.

I

t could “steal your heart in 2021”, according to glossy Condé Nast Traveller magazine. Given the relentless buzz from North to East, Kelvingrove to Clydeside, all in glorious spite of the pandemic, the city of Glasgow really could – for both longin-the-tooth locals craving overdue sociability, not to mention well-to-do tourists looking closer to home.

CNT’s editors gave Glasgow top spot in a 12-strong list boasting Belfast, Bristol and Cambridge among others, saying: “Ahead of the city's stint as host of the UN's climate-change summit in November, there's a hopeful feeling in the air. Glasgow was built to survive hard knocks, even Covid-shaped ones, and continues to flourish with some wildly creative plans in the works."

They cite SWG3, a sprawling events and arts complex in the West forming the nexus of a multimillion-pound project to redevelop the neglected Clydeside. As our lead page in ‘Dinner Plans’ trumpets (see p45) a Michelin star has returned to twinkle over the red-bricked heights of the West End – the first in Glasgow for almost two decades.

Meanwhile in newly ‘hipsterfied’ Finnieston 40

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(‘hippest place to live in the UK’ reckoned The Times recently) an ornately renovated Victorian garage on Vinicombe Street is a foodie’s Mecca: home to cult south-east Asian joint Ka Pao and seafood legends Crabshakk (opening soon).

Round the corner, the Kelvingrove Café is serving up DIY bloody mary kits, slap-up brunches and wood-fired pizza. Even edgier cool points scored Southside, where new restaurant The Luchador gets in on the Mexican wrestling thing, speakeasy bar in the basement, natch.

Perhaps it’s the city’s easily walkable compactness that makes it so easy for visitors and revellers to discover and sample Glasgow’s diverse jigsaw puzzle of neighbourhoods.

Maybe bolstered by its long-entrenched student population, glorious Neo-Gothic Victorian architecture, plus of course a coperbottommed Art Nouveau heritage, courtesy of our most famous son Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Whatever its formula for cultural success, and however unlikely its new global fanbase, Condé Nast’s professional wanderers have called it correctly. It really isn’t hard to agree that – to put it with typically regional understatement – you could pick a far worse staycation destination.

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STAYCATION

3 HIDDEN GLASGOW GEMS

SAY CHEESE! Merchant City, the historic and ancient heart of Glasgow, was where in the 18th century, the Tobacco Lords had their warehouses. New to the buzzy, resolutely indie hub is burger joint Monterey Jack’s – crowned best burger in Scotland back in May after just 5 months open, as voted by the public at the recent Scottish Entertainment Awards.

SEEK AND HIDE Tucked away off Argyle Street (1103 Argyle to be specific) in Finieston is The Hidden Lane, a community of 100 studio, gallery and workshop spaces. If you’ve always been intrigued by bikram yoga book a class at the appropriately named Damn Hot!

CRATE DIGGING Truly a treasure of many treasures - some 1.4 million, in fact – is the Glasgow Museum Resource Centre, in the southwest Greater Pollok suburb. Seventeen environmentally controlled storage ‘pods’ house fine art, fossils, armour, animals, technology and much, much more - everything currently not on display across Glasgow's entire suite of museums. Book a guided tour.

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FEATURE

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A BRACE OF JOYOUS PLATES From India to Thailand, with two feet on British soil respectively, here's a pair of square meals from two ex-pat masters of their cuisine – both simple, sensory, satisfying and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Words by Alex Doak.

DISHOOM’S BLACK DAL The secret to Bombay restaurant phenomenon, Dishoom’s signature side dish seemed destined to remain as dark and mysterious as the noble ‘makhani’ itself. But then the keenly awaited cookbook came... and as it transpires, as well as the titular dal’s ‘butteriness’, all it takes is time and devotion.

300g urad dal / urid beans 4 litres cold water 12g garlic paste 10g ginger paste 70g tomato purée 8g salt 2/3 tsp deggi mirch chilli powder 1/3 tsp garam masala 90g unsalted butter 90ml double cream 1. Wash the lentils three or four times, until the water is clear. Tip into a large saucepan of cold water, bring to a boil and cook steadily for two to three hours, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.

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2. In a bowl, mix the garlic and ginger pastes, tomato puree, salt, chilli powder and garam masala into a paste.

3. Carefully pour off the dal cooking water, then pour on enough freshly boiled water to cover the dal by 3-4cm. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat, then add the aromatic paste and butter. Cook rapidly for 30 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the mixture from sticking.

4. Lower the heat and simmer for 90 minutes more, stirring regularly to prevent it from sticking, and adding a little boiling water if the surface gets near the grains.

[If you have the time, cook for twice as long to get that ‘Dishoom’ depth of flavour – Ed.] 5. Eventually, the dal will turn thick and creamy from the grains disintegrating into the liquid and enriching it. Add the cream, cook for a further 15 minutes and serve with chapatis.

Dishoom “From Bombay with Love” (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019) by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar and Naved Nasir

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DINNER PLANS

NIGELLA LAWSON’S CRAB MAC ’N’ CHEESE As soon as Britain’s high priestess of home cooking launched her long-overdue latest last year, this particular recipe became an instant classic – plastered across social media in various stages of carb coma by rictus-grinning foodies.

Decadent, naughty… very Nigella, in other words.

Serves 2: 100g Gruyère cheese 15g grated parmesan 1 1/2 tbsp plain flour 1/4 tsp ground mace 1/4 tsp smoked sweet paprika 1/8 tsp hot smoked paprika 250ml whole milk 1tbsp tomato purée 30g unsalted butter 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 200g conchiglie pasta 100g white and brown crab meat

spices in a small cup. Pour the milk into a measuring jug and stir in the tablespoon of tomato purée. Boil a pan of salted water for the pasta.

2. Over lowish heat, melt the butter, then stir the garlic around quickly.

Turn the heat up to medium and add the flour and spices. Whisk over the heat until it all coheres into an orange, fragrant, loose paste; this will take no longer than a minute.

3. Take off the heat and very gradually whisk in the tomatoey milk, until it’s completely smooth. Put back on the heat, turn up to medium and cook, stirring, until it has thickened, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce.

4. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the grated cheeses, before lifting the al-dente cooked pasta shells into the smoky cheese sauce, then adding the crab.

5. Divide between two bowls and sprinkle with hot smoked paprika.

1. Grate the Gruyère into a bowl and add parmesan. Mix the flour with the

Cook, Eat, Repeat (Vintage Publishing, 2020) by Nigella Lawson

DAVID THOMPSON’S KRAPOW The joke among Thai workers is that if you can’t decide on lunch, you have ‘pad grapao’ – literally ‘stir-fried holy basil’, the ultimate south-east-Asian rustic street food. The Thai basil is the thing, here: pure, moreish aniseed umami (and usually findable in bigger Sainsbury’s or Waitrose stores).

Serves 2: 3 garlic cloves, peeled large pinch of salt 2 long red or green chillies 4 bird’s eye chillies 1 tablespoon oil 100g minced beef, chicken or pork 3 tablespoons stock large pinch of white sugar

1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce handful of Thai holy basil leaves 1. Pound garlic, salt and both kinds of chillies into a paste.

2. Heat a wok over a very high heat, add oil then fry the paste for a minute, then the meat for a minute.

3. Add stock, sugar, both soy sauces, take off heat and sprinkle over the holy basil.

4. Serve with plenty of steamed rice and a bowl of fish sauce spiked with finely sliced chilies, garlic and lime juice.

Thai Food (Pavilion, 2002) by David Thompson

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ISLAND BORN, FEARLESS SPIRIT ISLE OF BARRA DISTILLERS Multi award-winning distilled with 17 specially selected botanicals including Carrageen Seaweed.

w w w. i s l e o f b a r r a d i s t i l l e r s . c o m

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INTERIORS

WESTERN

STAR

Rejoice! The eateries of the far north are back in world-beating business, showcasing our shores’ rich produce and cuisine – principle among them Cail Bruich, quietly bringing Michelin status back to Glasgow’s thriving West End. Words by Alex Doak.

T

here’s slow cooking, there’s the slowfood movement, and then there’s Cail Bruich; a whole 16 years in the offing, as Glasgow’s first and only Michelinstarred restaurant since Gordon Ramsay’s ‘Amaryllis’ closed at One Devonshire Gardens in 2004.

A ten-minute walk from what’s now a Hotel du Vin, down the Great Western Road and through the Botanic Gardens, Cail Bruich exacts the sort of cuisine and environment that we expect from Scotland’s newfound cosmopolitan status (by contrast to Ramsay’s lobster-bisquefuelled overreach). It’s the sort of fine dining we seek out and are genuinely thrilled by in 2021 – mercifully in step with the Michelin Guide inspectors, whose parameters have necessarily readjusted as more and more undeniable talent shuns starched-white tablecloths in favour of seasonal fare, with a twist, set against shabby-chic brickwork and filament lightbulbs.

Said brace of hipster décor is indeed in full effect here, but don’t let that fool you into thinking Chef Lorna McNee is just another street-food starlet dun good. Absolutely no Vans were hurt in the making of what surely has a second star twinkling on the horizon. Her mantra goes: “We aim to create truly memorable dining experiences, working closely with producers and suppliers to offer our guests the highest quality of food and drink.” Our reaction, following an impeccable dinner service on an otherwise gloomy Wednesday evening goes: “Wow.” Protégé of the late two Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, and voted “Champion of Champions” in the BBC’s 2019 series of The Great British Menu, Lorna took up her first head chef role at Cail Bruich in August 2020, taking the apron strings from from coowner Chris Charalambous. In just five months, she became the only female chef in Scotland holding a Michelin star.

Take her lightly smoked eel mousse with mackerel, for example, paired with a tart Granny Smith purée, punctuated by a dot of Exmoor caviar. Or perhaps that mainstay of foodie fashion, turbot – ramped-up on meatiness by Lorna using katsuobushi (dried tuna flakes) then given a double Japanese punch with ‘kombu’, rounded out by a purée of Cail Bruich’s own garden peas.

All infinitely, rapturously more than the some of their parts.

We could go on, but why bother when you can just go and taste for yourself? That goes for you too, Gordon!

725 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 8QX 01413 346265 cailbruich.co.uk www.rox.co.uk

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Jung LS 990 light switch in Les Couleurs fuschia

INTERIORS

COLOUR ME

happy

Back in the 1930s famed architect Le Corbusier formulated a colour system to transform interiors, harness light and boost your mood…

As winter draws in, here’s how to wield its powers.

Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

P

retty pastels, verdant greens, sunshine yellows – scan anyone’s interior design Pinterest boards recently and it looks like a rainbow was let loose with a paint brush. Forget muted tones and subtle accents, people are embracing wall-towall colour in an effort to add some joy to the homes we’ve been confined to for the past year. Playing with colour 46

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is hard. Get it right and you’ll have a space that makes your heart sing, the wrong combination and you’ll have a permanent headache. Which is where Le Corbusier’s Polychromie Architecturale can come in very handy.

Created by renowned SwissFrench architect, designer, painter, urban planner, and father of modern architecture, Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (he adopted the pseudonym

ROX MAGAZINE

Le Corbusier in 1920), the Polychromie Architecturale comprises 63 shades that are naturally harmonious and which embody specific spatial and human effects. Used in dialogue with each other they can change how a space looks and how it makes people feel. The first palette was compiled in 1931 and features 43 shades that go from a pale peachy colour through to a sludgy grey via blues, greens, and pinks that range from vibrant to pastel.

Le Corbusier also created separate colour keyboards, which he devised when he was contracted to work for Salubra, a Swiss wallpaper company in 1930. You can play with virtual ones on the Les Couleurs Le Corbusier website and they illustrate how the various shades can be used to atmospheric effect. The larger panels provide the background hues, while the smaller ones through the middle are there for accent inspiration. For example, the Sky keyboard has two larger panels of two blues – céruléen clair and céruléen moyen – while through the middle are options ranging from the winter-sky shade of gris to the magenta-esque rouge vermillion. The Scenery option pairs two lush greens with everything from the chocolate-y richness of terre sienna brûlée through to pretty rose pink. In 1959 20 other colours, more powerful and dynamic, were added to the existing ones. Le Corbusier designed an additional keyboard, this time with a single dominant colour under which were accents to play with.

The result is a suite of colours

FEATURE

32033 céruléen clair

32010 gris foncé 31

32091 rose pâle

32090 rouge vermillon 31

32032 céruléen moyen

that all complement each other. It’s a perfect colour concept that allows for individual expression but without any risk of clashes. They can also be used to manipulate light and space. A long thin corridor-like kitchen with French doors can be made to look airy by gradating from dark shades to lighter as you get closer to the doors.

An accent colour can create interesting divisions in rooms that appear too big or that have mixed uses. The only catch Les Couleurs Le Corbusier controls who is allowed to use these precise shades in paints. Currently that privilege is afford only to Swiss brand Kabe Farben. Which is where trusty B&Q and Feldspar come in. Choose your palette, take it to your nearest B&Q where they can create your custom colours, and chanel your inner interior designer. Pinterest will be all the prettier for it. www.rox.co.uk

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GREAT DRIVES The world is opening up, finally – but so did our immediate surroundings when we were locked down, remember? There is still so much to explore, right on our doorstep. Exhibit A: the South West Coastal 300, a rollicking tarmacadamed tour of Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway’s near-indecent scenery.

Words by Alex Doak.

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GREAT DRIVES

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FREEDOM 300 Take that ruddy mask off and get an uninhibited lungful: the South West Coastal 300 is a true breath of fresh air, taking in miles of beautiful coastline along quiet country roads, with widescreen, Vistavision scenery scrolling into view around every curve of the tarmac.

Sheltered sandy bays, rocky stretches, charming coastal towns… Everything you’d ask of a foreign holiday can be found on this spectacular roadtrip – admittedly, without the guarantee of weather.

Circumscribed by Visit Scotland’s tourism gurus, the circular route follows roads along the coast of Dumfries and Galloway and into southern Ayrshire, an area which takes in part of a UNESCOrecognised ‘Biosphere’ and one of Scotland’s best preserved coniferous expanses – the Galloway Forest Park.

The route can be started from any point, but if you’re coming from Dumfries, consider making your first stop Sweetheart Abbey, a now-ruined religious hub that offers history and romance in equal measure. Lady Dervorgilla founded the ornate abbey in the late 13th century in tribute to her beloved husband, John Balliol, whose embalmed heart she carried with her in an ivory casket.

The pretty harbour town of Kirkcudbright has been drawing painters and makers for well over a hundred years; so much so, that it’s known as Scotland’s Artists’ Town. Just north, you can get your landscapist’s eye in over nine holes at the Gatehouse of Fleet Golf Club set in the beautiful Fleet Valley. It rewards you with a challenge and a view at each tee. See if you can spy Wigtown Bay, the Clints of Dromore or the massif of Cairnsmore of Fleet before you select your iron.

When you make it to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, some 20 miles down the county’s narrow promontory, you will have reached Scotland’s most southerly point, surrounded by the calls of kittiwakes and the sight of guillemots diving gracefully into the sea. The warmth of the

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ROX MAGAZINE

GREAT DRIVES

Gulf Stream means leafy palm trees, fuchsias and African daisies flourish at Logan Botanic Garden, offering a surreal technicolour juxtaposition to the rugged coastline.

Back north, via the brooding clifftop ruins of Dunskey Castle, you’re on the home stretch of your clockwise tour of the SWC300 – via Sanquhar. It’s on the River Nith, one of Scotland’s top salmon rivers, and makes a great base for exploring Upper Nithsdale and beyond. When you think about Scotland’s highest places, most wouldn’t consider the south, but you’re less than 10 miles from the two highest villages in Scotland – Wanlockhead and Leadhills. If you can resist the Lead Mining Museum, the countryside to the east is genuinely spectacular, with three beautiful passes, Crawick, Mennock and Dalveen just begging to be driven.

Mennock Pass is pictured here, and it’s as remote, thrilling and freeing as that winding strip of tarmac looks. High time to test the full capabilities of your Range Rover Velar’s electric supercharger… visitsouthwestscotland.com/swc300

WHICH CAR? RANGE ROVER VELAR Jaguar Land Rover’s mid-size luxury SUV sits between the bijoux Evoque and growly Sport in the Range Rover family, offering an ideal balance of comfort, technology, performance and – let’s face it – all-out panache, as you cruise the route’s 300 sweeping miles. The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder P400e plug-in hybrid offers a smooth and refined drive, with an impressive 0–60mph in 5.1 seconds. The battery can be charged to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes using a fast DC charge point, while you relax in the Velar’s calming sanctuary of an interior, with new Pivi infotainment and Cabin Air Filtration.

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CATWALK AGENDA

VERSACE

CATWALK AGENDA

HERMÈS

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

ZIMMERMANN PORTS 1961

VERSACE

OFF-WHITE

OFF-WHITE

ETRO

GIVENCHY

ISABEL MARANT

Images © IMAXtree.com

ROX MAGAZINE

After the strangest year of our lives, fashion is back with a bang.

The catwalks were awash with wonder and lots of much needed sartorial inspiration. From luxe party wear and eternal evening wear to micro minis and must-have cut out creations, this season is all about statement making fashion with instant feel good factor.

Get ready to go 'out out' again in style. www.rox.co.uk

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Images © IMAXtree.com

CATWALK AGENDA

SHEER FANTASY

ETRO

FENDI

GIVENCHY

Blame it on Bridgerton, but major drama dressing for the party season is having a moment. Not for the fashion faint-hearted, the sheer trend is all about making an entrance is layers of tulle, chiffon, ruffles, feather and sequins galore. Amp it up with on-show lingerie and wow factor accessories.

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Bulgari Serpenti Tubobas Watch 76454 | £7,700

ROX Cosmic Diamond Earrings 72533 | £3,995

ROX Cosmic Diamond Ring 71791 | £4,500

SAINT LAURENT

ROX Adore Diamond Ring 74776 | £1695

ROX Adore Diamond Ring 76907 | from £2,495

MACH & MACH

ROX Cosmic Diamond Necklace 0.63cts 71792 | £2,695

www.rox.co.uk

CATWALK AGENDA

Images © IMAXtree.com

ROX MAGAZINE

OFF-WHITE

OFF-WHITE

ANDREW GN

COLOUR THERAPY It's a well-known fact that wearing colour can instantly 'lift our spirits and boost our moods,' So it makes perfect sense then that you'd find dense, saturated shades everywhere on the catwalks and let’s face it we've never needed colour therapy in our lives more. It's time to go bold with your colour this autumn, but unlike recent seasons – where clashing shades have reigned supreme – it's all about keeping your look totally tonal and as bold as you like. Switch out your neutrals and test the theory.

ROX ROX Love Sapphire Ring 1.87cts 76327 | from £2,950

GUCCI

ROX Talisman Tsvorite Torque Bangle 76315 | £225

Gucci Icon Thin Band Ring 70633 | £760

Chopard Happy Sport Watch 76336 | £13,600

Chopard Happy Hearts Earrings 71635 | £2,720

BOTTEGA VENETA

Gucci Lion Head Necklace 77490 | £1,770

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ROX MAGAZINE

Images © IMAXtree.com

CATWALK AGENDA

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ZUHAIR MURAD

VERSACE

Ditch the sweatpants and embrace the party season once more. For those who are looking for a big sartorial shift after the last year, let us introduce you to the Out Out trend. Think megawatt designs and sequined, glittery, shimmery, skin-bearing show stoppers that make you want to party all night and dance til’ dawn.

See you on the dancefloor.

ISABEL MARANT

GOING OUT OUT

ROX Cascade Diamond Earrings 75423 | £1,295

ROX Cascade Diamond Earrings 75425 | £2,695

Roger Dubuis Velvet Watch 75731 | £52,500

TOM FORD

ROX Love Yellow Diamond Ring 76159 | from £3,495

BOTTEGA VENETA

ROX Cascade Diamond Bangle 77870 | £5,400

ROX Cascade Diamond Ring 75428 | £3,200

www.rox.co.uk

CATWALK AGENDA

Images © IMAXtree.com

ROX MAGAZINE

HERMÈS

ZIMMERMANN

HERMÈS

DARK DENIM DAYS Did you get the new season denim memo?

Skinnies are out, high rise and wide-legged are in and with the change in season comes an all new hue. Dark indigo is the denim of choice for the fashion crowd. And it’s super easy to style.

Team with cool knits, 70s inspired boots, textured coats and matching denim for a polished and super chic look.

ROX Love Diamond Bangle 71322 | £2,495

LOEWE

ROX Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 76136 | £7,100

Zenith Defy Midnight Watch 74947 | £7,500

ROX Diamond Dress Ring 75713 | £6,995

ROX Diamond Earrings 0.89cts 71316 | £1,895

ROX Diamond Necklace 1.18cts 72001 | £2,695

GIANVITO ROSSI

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Images © IMAXtree.com

CATWALK AGENDA

58

GONCALO PEIXOTO

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Nothing screams post-lockdown fashion quite like the thigh-skimming mini skirt and this season is no different. The antithesis of a cosy loungewear, expect to see a lot of leg! Don’t be put off by rising hemlines, play with proportions to balance your silhouette and add tights and a must have pair of boots for winter appropriate styling.

VERSACE

MINI REVOLUTION

ROX Diamond Earrings 1.61cts 74161 | £1,895

ROX Diamond Dress Ring 0.56cts 69171 | £1,295

ROX Diamond Dress Ring 0.51cts 69178 | £1,395

TOM FORD

Gucci GG2570 Watch 65346 | £820

GIANVITO ROSSI

ROX Diamond Bangle 0.33cts 69177 | £995

ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 1.00cts 67062 | £1,995

www.rox.co.uk

VERONICA BEARD THE VAMPIRE’S WIFE ISABEL MARANT DRIES VAN NOTEN MAX & MOI MOUSSY VINTAGE QUEENE & BELLE

WWW.JANEDAVIDSON.CO.UK | 0131 225 3280 52 THISTLE STREET, EDINBURGH, EH2 1EN

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Images © IMAXtree.com

CATWALK AGENDA

CHANEL FENDI

Once regarded as simply something we wore to keep warm in winter, the humble knit has had a renaissance over the past few seasons and this one is no different. Designers put wow factor knits centre stage. From sexy two pieces to chunky and bang on trend sweaters, knitwear is now a fashionistas must have.

PORTS 1961

MEGA KNITS

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TAG Heuer Aquaracer Watch 76560 | £2,750

Chopard Ice Cube Bangle 74886 | £4,440

SAINT LAURENT

ROX Diamond Initial Necklace 76366 | from £675

JIMMY CHOO

ROX Love Diamond Earrings 0.71cts 72412 | £1,395

ROX Love Diamond Wedding Ring 74642 | £1,995

ROX Love Diamond Ring 75773 | from £2,125

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CATWALK AGENDA

Images © IMAXtree.com

ROX MAGAZINE

Those with their finger on the fashion pulse will recognise this repeat trend. The good news for fashion lovers is that all of the cut-out pieces we bought over the last two seasons are still bang on trend. Fashion repeaters rejoice and if you’re new to the trend, dip your toe in the water with a cut out bodysuit and sleek black trousers.

AZZARO

ISABEL SANCHIS

ELIE SAAB

CUT IT OUT

BOTTEGA VENETA

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 0.63cts 76895 | £1,350

ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.68cts 76889 | £6,000

Hublot Classic Fusion Watch 75472 | £14,200

ROX Adore Diamond Ring 75761 | from £1,995

GIANVITO ROSSI

ROX Adore Diamond Necklace 0.51ct 76899 | £1,680

ROX Adore Diamond Ring 1.19cts 77943 | £2,995

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ROX Honour Diamond Earrings from £3,995 (75904), ROX Diamond Collar 15.61cts £58,500 (77919), ROX Adore Diamond Ring from £1,995 (75761), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.00cts £3,495 (71387), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 3.00cts £9,995 (71388), Hublot Classic Fusion Watch £13,900 (65292), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 1.25cts £4,495 (75457), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 10.10cts £23,000 (59980), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 7.20cts £14,000 (77674), Embellished Tux by Reformation, Bralet stylists own

NIGHT FEVER As we rediscover the art of partying once again, we do so with unbridled joy and passion. Sexy tailoring, super luxe fabrics and form fitting evening wear make a welcome return. Accessorise it all with lashings of diamonds and the most coveted timepieces.

Stylist: Danielle Timperley

Photography: Mark Seager

Models: Roxy Horner & Gavin MacDonald

Hair stylist: Pamela Docherty Make-up: Sara Hill

Location: Moskito, Glasgow

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Watch £13,800 (76465)

ROX Honour Diamond Earrings from £3,995 (75904), ROX Diamond Collar 15.61cts £58,500 (77919), ROX Adore Diamond Ring from £1,995 (75761), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.00cts £3,495 (71387), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 3.00cts £9,995 (71388), Hublot Classic Fusion Watch £13,900 (65292), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 1.25cts £4,495 (75457), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 10.10cts £23,000 (59980), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 7.20cts £14,000 (77674), Embellished Tux by Reformation, Bralet stylists own

THE BIG REVEAL Grab their attention and make an entrance in show-stopping gowns worthy of an A list party. Elevate the look with layers of eye-catching diamonds and the attitude to match.

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 1.07cts £3,200 (76897), ROX Love Radiant Yellow Diamond Ring from £14,500 (76157), ROX Love Cushion Yellow Diamond Ring from £6,500 (76158), ROX Love Pear Cut Yellow Diamond Ring from £10,795 (76156), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,795 (53312), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.50cts £5,995 (77172), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 0.76cts £3,295 (77562), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 2.00cts £3,995 (75563), ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.09cts £3,400 (76890), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 4.00cts £5,495 (69143), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 4.00cts £6,495 (58823), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 3.00cts £3,995 (75567), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 8.00cts £14,995 (72695), Dress from Guy Laroche

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 1.07cts £3,200 (76897), ROX Love Radiant Yellow Diamond Ring from £14,500(76157), ROX Love Cushion Yellow Diamond Ring from £6,500 (76158), ROX Love Pear Cut Yellow Diamond Ring from £10,795 (76156), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,795 (53312), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.50cts £5,995 (77172), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 0.76cts £3,295 (77562), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 2.00cts £3,995 (75563), ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.09cts £3,400 (76890), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 4.00cts £5,495 (69143), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 4.00cts £6,495 (58823), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 3.00cts £3,995 (75567), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 8.00cts £14,995 (72695), Dress from Guy Laroche

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 1.07cts £3,200 (76897), ROX Love Radiant Yellow Diamond Ring from £14,500(76157), ROX Love Cushion Yellow Diamond Ring from £6,500 (76158), ROX Love Pear Cut Yellow Diamond Ring from £10,795 (76156), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,795 (53312), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.50cts £5,995 (77172), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 0.76cts £3,295 (77562), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 2.00cts £3,995 (75563), ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.09cts £3,400 (76890), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 4.00cts £5,495 (69143), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 4.00cts £6,495 (58823), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 3.00cts £3,995 (75567), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 8.00cts £14,995 (72695), Dress from Guy Laroche

Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Watch £29,000 (71248)

ROX Cosmic Diamond Earrings 0.79cts £2,995 (75443), ROX Cosmic Diamond Collar 1.59cts £9,500 (75445), ROX Love Diamond Ring £24,195 (77597), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.55cts £8,995 (72287), ROX Diamond Full Eternity Ring 3.00ct £11,995 (70291), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 1.25cts £2,695 (74855), ROX Cosmic Diamond Ring 0.39cts £1,295 (75438), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,995 (75306), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 2.00cts £2,995 (69672), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 3.00cts £3,995 (75567), ROX Cosmic Diamond Bracelet 1.29cts £3,995 (75444), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 1.00cts £2,495 (71322), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 1.00cts £2,495 (75562), Bulgari Serpenti Spiga Watch £57,000 (77924), Bodysuit and mini skirt by Saint Laurent

GOLDEN HOUR Lighten up the night with glistening gold accented by the brightest diamonds and high impact accessories.

The watch to be seen in this season is the alluring Bvlgari Serpenti, so go wrap your wrist in luxury.

ROX Cosmic Diamond Earrings 0.79cts £2,995 (75443), ROX Cosmic Diamond Collar 1.59cts £9,500 (75445), ROX Love Diamond Ring £24,195 (77597), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.55cts £8,995 (72287), ROX Diamond Full Eternity Ring 3.00ct £11,995 (70291), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 1.25cts £2,695 (74855), ROX Cosmic Diamond Ring 0.39cts £1,295 (75438), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,995 (75306), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 2.00cts £2,995 (69672), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 3.00cts £3,995 (75567), ROX Cosmic Diamond Bracelet 1.29cts £3,995 (75444), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 1.00cts £2,495 (71322), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 1.00cts £2,495 (75562), Bulgari Serpenti Spiga Watch £57,000 (77924), Bodysuit and mini skirt by Saint Laurent

Zenith Chronomaster Sport Watch £17,800 (76544)

INTO THE NIGHT It’s time to party all night in decadent diamonds and wow factor watches that define our optimistic and carefree new mood. Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.

ROX Cosmic Diamond Earrings 0.79cts £2,995 (75443), ROX Cosmic Diamond Collar 1.59cts £9,500 (75445), ROX Love Diamond Ring £24,195 (77597), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.55cts £8,995 (72287), ROX Diamond Full Eternity Ring 3.00ct £11,995 (70291), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 1.25cts £2,695 (74855), ROX Cosmic Diamond Ring 0.39cts £1,295 (75438), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,995 (75306), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 2.00cts £2,995 (69672), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 3.00cts £3,995 (75567), ROX Cosmic Diamond Bracelet 1.29cts £3,995 (75444), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 1.00cts £2,495 (71322), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 1.00cts £2,495 (75562), Bulgari Serpenti Spiga Watch £57,000 (77924), Bodysuit and mini skirt by Saint Laurent Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan Watch £42,500 (75727), Black tuxedo, shirt and bow tie from a selection at Slaters

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan Watch £42,500 (75727)

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 0.84cts £2,495 (74028), ROX Adore Diamond Necklace 0.51ct £1,680 (76899), ROX Adore Diamond Necklace 1.32cts £2,995 (76787), Black dress by Alexander Vaulthier Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Watch £22,00 (70109), Blue Velvet Jacket and shirt available at Walker Slater, Black trousers available from a selection at Slaters

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 0.84cts £2,495 (74028), ROX Adore Diamond Necklace 0.51ct £1,680 (76899), ROX Adore Diamond Necklace 1.32cts £2,995 (76787), ROX Adore Trilogy Diamond Ring from £3,495 (75763), ROX Adore Diamond Ring from £1,995 (75761), ROX Adore Diamond Ring 0.72cts £3,295 (76675), ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.68cts £6,000 (76889), ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.09cts £3,400 (76890), Black dress by Alexander Vaulthier

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 0.84cts £2,495 (74028), ROX Adore Diamond Necklace 0.51ct £1,680 (76899), ROX Adore Diamond Necklace 1.32cts £2,995 (76787), ROX Adore Trilogy Diamond Ring from £3,495 (75763), ROX Adore Diamond Ring from £1,995 (75761), ROX Adore Diamond Ring 0.72cts £3,295 (76675), ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.68cts £6,000 (76889), ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.09cts £3,400 (76890), Black dress by Alexander Vaulthier

THE BRIGHT SIDE Look ahead to bigger and better. Show the world your true colours in bold hues. Just add show-stopping diamond collars, stackable tennis bracelets and passion for partying. You’re all set for the much anticipated party season.

ROX Diamond Earrings 4.00cts £14,895 (69992), ROX Diamond Collar 14.78cts £24,950 (71147), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 4.30cts £19,995 (71407), ROX Love Diamond Halo Ring £19,500 (77928), ROX Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.87cts £6,395 (61903), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 2.20cts £6,995 (75713), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 2.00ct £14,995 (63436), ROX Diamond Bracelet 10.78cts £19,500 (74129), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 10.10cts £23,000 (59980), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 5.00cts £6,995 (69144), Dress by Alexander Vaulthier

ROX Diamond Earrings 4.00cts £14,895 (69992), ROX Diamond Collar 14.78cts £24,950 (71147), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 4.30cts £19,995 (71407), ROX Love Diamond Halo Ring £19,500 (77928), ROX Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.87cts £6,395 (61903), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 2.20cts £6,995 (75713), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 2.00ct £14,995 (63436), ROX Diamond Bracelet 10.78cts £19,500 (74129), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 10.10cts £23,000 (59980), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 5.00cts £6,995 (69144), Dress by Alexander Vaulthier

ROX Diamond Earrings 4.63cts £9,995 (74128), ROX Honour Diamond Necklace from £6,495 (75906), ROX Diamond Collar 10.03cts £14,500 (74176), ROX Honour Diamond Ring from £1,595 (75751), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 2.00cts £6,895 (71386), Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Watch £29,900 (78056), Bodysuit & skirt by Versace available at Cruise Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold Watch £33,000 (76846), Black shirt by Tom Ford available at Cruise

Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold Watch £33,000 (76846), Black shirt by Tom Ford available at Cruise

ROX Diamond Earrings 4.63cts £9,995 (74128), ROX Honour Diamond Necklace from £6,495 (75906), ROX Diamond Collar 10.03cts £14,500 (74176), ROX Honour Diamond Ring from £1,595 (75751), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 2.00cts £6,895 (71386), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 2.00cts £3,995 (71325), ROX Cascade Diamond Bangle 1.68cts £5,200 (77612), Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Watch £29,900 (78056), Bodysuit & skirt by Versace available at Cruise

WATCH JOURNAL

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WATCH JOURNAL A must read for gents looking to update their watch collection. Dive into the world of luxury watches and discover Alex's Doak's definitive buying guide for right now.

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HUBLOT

BULGARI

ROGER DUBUIS

BIG BANG UNICO YELLOW MAGIC

OCTO FINISSIMO TADAO ANDO

EXCALIBUR COBALT BLUE

No more black and white! Since the arrival of red ceramic in 2018, Hublot’s Metallurgy & Materials laboratory at its factory on the north bank of Lake Geneva has honed the perfect balance of temperature and pressure, enabling zirconium oxide pellets to be ‘sintered’ at 1,300ºC without burning the pigments. First red, then blue, beige, green and now yellow, housing Hublot’s other proudly in-house creation, the Unico chronograph movement.

76533 | £21,700

Long before the dawn of mechanics, the heavens and especially the moon served as our clock and calendar. In collaboration with Japan’s renowned, minimalist starchitect, Tadao Ando, Bulgari’s ultra-thin Octo harks back to this more spiritual relationship with time, embedding a gold ‘Mikazuki’, or waxing crescent moon within an exquisitely hand-lacquered deep blue dial. Its grooved texture spirals from the base of the seconds hand, while everything floats within a nightsky case of black ceramic. £13,000

The enfant terrible of fine Genevan watchmaking marks 2021 with unusually restrained aesthetics fused with typically amped-up micro-engineering. Its ultralight titanium tourbillon cage tumbles within the brand’s two-line skeleton dialcum-movement – forged from ultra-hightech ‘Cobalt Chrome CarTech MicroMelt BioDur CCM, a non-magnetic, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum wrought alloy exhibiting high strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Standard.

76756 | £129,000

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TUDOR BLACK BAY FIFTY-EIGHT 925 If that '925' seems naggingly familiar, then you’re right: it's the purity rating (out of 1,000) for sterling silver. While rare for any watch these days to be cased up in this tarnishable, dentable metal, remember this is Tudor: when it comes to its Black Bay divers, military heritage points are one, subaqua credentials are another thing entirely.

Sure enough, the addition of aluminium (et al.) to the mix means that ethereal sheen will survive, perfectly complemented by the aluminium bezel’s cool taupe.

76539 | £3,230

ZENITH

TAG HEUER

BAUME & MERCIER

CHRONOMASTER REVIVAL SAFARI

AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 LIMITED EDITION

RIVIERA

This takes watchmaking’s ‘green’ trend and not so much runs with it as drives it through Kenya aboard a Defender. Zenith has revived its ‘A384’ of 1969 in matte, microblasted ceramic, bringing out the dark nuances of titanium – an antireflective measure that won’t dazzle the fauna you’re tracking. Framed by deep olive-green, cooler spruce, with vintage SuperLuminova pops, the dial broadcasts the busy ‘El Primero’ mechanics beneath, ticking to one-fifth-of-a-second precision.

78051 | £7,500

To a SCUBA diver, tweaking their triedand-trusted watch is tantamount to toying with how you fold the parachute of a skydiver’s backpack. Fear not, TAG Heuer knows its onions, so in reduxing its prospec Aquaracer, all you get is a better dive watch, plain and simple. The signature 12-sided bezel now integrates scratchresistant ceramic and fluting for easy grip, to give just one example. In this case, with restrained flair, the 1978 original gets a hattip from beige Super-Luminova and a red military scale.

76562 | £3,600

Created in 1973, just one year after Gérald Genta ripped up the rulebooks with his Royal Oak design for Audemars Piguet, the Riviera was a zeitgeist masterstroke from one of Switzerland’s most venerable maisons: a twelve-sided luxury sports watch in steel with integrated bracelet and dynamism baked in. Here it is in 2021, now driven by Baume & Mercier’s precise, five day and antimagnetic ‘Baumatic’ movement, which you can watch ticking through a smoky blue sapphire dial.

77901 | £2,350

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ROMAN

EMPIRE Via Condotti 10 might have been Elizabeth Taylor’s favourite stop-off while shopping the Italian capital, but recently it’s all been happening at Bulgari’s horological hothouse, over the other side of the Alps. Words by Alex Doak.

S

on of a family of silversmiths, the enterprising young Sotirio Boulgaris (1858– 1932) emigrated from his native Greece following the outbreak of war in the Balkans between the Russians and the Turks.

Sotirio Bulgari, as he later became known, found his way to Rome with little more to ply than his craft and guile. At one point, following a robbery at his fledgling Naples store, he found himself with 80 cents in his pocket selling silver objets from a stall by the French Academy. A lack of license soon stopped him from trading, but within just three days he had made enough to move on and secure a corner in the window of a Greek sponge merchant.

By 1900, Bulgari had set up his first shop at 28 via dei Condotti, and from there he, followed by his two

sons prospered. A move up the road to no.10 followed in 1905, then Sotirio’s grandsons Gianni, Paolo and Nicola took the reins, delighting the era’s dedicated followers of la dolce vita with their extravagant yet contemporary take on high jewellery.

Richard Burton remarked of his 1963 visit to the Condotti shop to buy Elizabeth Taylor a ring: “I introduced her to beer, and she introduced me to Bvlgari.”

Andy Warhol would stop by the shop when he visited Rome “because it is the best exhibition of contemporary art”, and queen of Italian style, Sophia Loren was often snapped darting through its elaborately faceted glass door.

But what about Bulgari’s more recent, equally fabulous exploits in watchmaking? www.rox.co.uk

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1975 The Roman dynasty’s first iconic timekeeper was and still is the Bvlgari Bvlgari, starting life as a digital Christmas gift for 100 faithful clients, designed by the man whose eponymous watch brand Bulgari would go on to acquire: the father of Audemars Piguet’s octagonal Royal Oak, Gérald Genta. It pioneered the use of a house logo as décor, stamped onto the cylindrical case.

1977 Such was the success of ’75’s giveaway that an automatic was launched for the rest of us, replacing "ROMA" with a second "BVLGARI" – forging the now-iconic "BVLGARI BVLGARI" line.

1988 Bvlgari Time’s Neuchâtel factory becomes the sole driving force behind the group’s growth.

2000 Bulgari makes its move on hardcore horological status with the acquisition of Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth’s imprints from Singaporean retailer The Hour Glass, along with their shared manufacture in Le Sentier – all for SFr.37.6m (Messieurs Genta and Roth long departed).

2004 The Gérald Genta ‘Octo’ is launched, fusing the titular designer’s typically eight-sided design codes of Monsieur Genta's 1994 megacomplication with a segmented dial design to rival Vegas’s top tables, all informed by Bulgari’s 1982 ‘Bvlgari Time’ factory founded in Neuchâtel, Latin flair.

Switzerland to assemble all of its ’BB’ watches, taking the wrists of Europe’s fashion set by storm, 2005 Trapani lays further foundations with 50% and in thrall to Italy’s effortless flair.

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51% purchases of dial maker Cadrans Design and bracelet maker Prestige d’Or, then a shopping spree for machines and intellectual property at Leschot in 2007, followed by 2008’s total buy-out of case specialist Finger.

2009 A line in the sand drawn with a simple three-hand watch – driven by Bulgari’s very first proprietary ‘workhorse’ movement, ‘BVL 168’. BVL 128 and the incumbent 191 ‘Solotempo’ follow.

2017 Bulgari’s virtuoso designer Fabrizio Buonamassa has truly made the Octo his own, even daring to hone its 110 facets to 58 with a rounded-out ‘Roma’ version – still retaining the octagonal, statuesque vibe, but for a younger, more cosmopolitan customer.

2011 Bulgari signs over a majority stock transfer worth €4.3 billion to LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, the world's leading luxury group, joining bedfellows TAG Heuer, Hublot and 2021 Zenith in happy harmony.

Superstar DJ Steve Aoki helps bring Bulgari’s seminal party-starter back to 2012 Things kick up a gear with the launch the fore with a slicker-than-ever redux of Bulgari’s greatest statement of of 1998’s Bvlgari Bvlgari in aluminium intent yet: the Octo, reviving Gérald (see main shot). What goes around, Genta The Brand’s 1994 masterstroke seems to be round all along. in super-svelte fashion, all 110 facets intact, sculpted painstakingly from a Bulgari watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow single block of metal.

2004

2020 The Arena Bi-Retrograde Sport heralds the return of the Gérald Genta imprint, featuring jump hours and retrograde minutes that snap back to zero on every hour – a combo pioneered by M. Genta in 1996.

2009

ANDY WARHOL WOULD STOP BY THE SHOP WHEN HE VISITED ROME “BECAUSE IT IS THE BEST EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY ART”

2014 A seven-year campaign of recordbreaking slimline innovation kicks off in ‘Octo Finissimo’ guise: thinnestever manual tourbillon, then minute repeater, automatic watch (thanks to a winding rotor that spins about the periphery of the movement), thinnest automatic tourbillon, chronograph GMT, tourbillon chronograph and this year the thinnest-ever perpetual calendar, down to a Matzos-worthy 5.8mm.

1975

2010 Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta folded into the catch-all ‘Bvlgari’ canon preserving their aesthetic motifs – or ‘brand DNA’ – with seamless panache, not to mention upping Bulgari’s horological renown with selfbranded uber-complications such as ‘Westminster chimes’ and retrograde displays.

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PANDA EYES There’s no more playful sight than a wide-eyed monochrome chronograph – born of motorsport, now catnip to every design-conscious watchmaker.

Words by Alex Doak.

P

ioneering the waterproof case, date window, winding rotor… all cemented in watch lore with ‘Rolex’ firmly chiselled on top. But beyond these practical advances, you won’t find many aesthetic-alone firsts in the record books of Switzerland’s biggest

face. Meant as an aid to harried racing drivers needing sharper visibility, it was a joyful advance in chronograph design that soon caught on for design’s sake alone.

Heuer (‘TAG’ prefixed in the Eighties, remember) was principal among the early adopters, with evolutions of its 1962 Autavia –

GIVEN SUCH SIMPLE MONOCHROME, IT’S A WONDER THE PANDA TOOK THIS LONG TO BECOME A REGULAR CATALOGUE VARIETAL. maker. Except one: the so-called ‘panda’ dial.

In ‘3,6,9’ configuration, the ref. 6239 of 1963 had its stopwatch and seconds’ subdials inadvertently mimicking China’s most adorable bamboo enthusiast as two black eyes and a mouth, staring out of a white

having pipped Rolex to the chequered flag by one year as the first proper motorsport watch – swiftly overtaken by the immortal Carrera, whose suave gentleman-racer looks confirmed the panda dial’s style credentials.

Given such simple monochrome, it’s a wonder the panda took this long www.rox.co.uk

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to become a regular catalogue varietal.

But with great archive rarity comes even great retro appeal, thus 2021’s Sichuan Sanctuaries’ worth of smoky-eyed fuzzballs, tumbling down the slopes of the Swiss Jura.

Going fully authentic, you have Zenith’s millimetre-perfect revival of 1969’s A386, as this year’s ‘Chronomaster Original’ – a gorgeous example of the alternative ‘reverse panda’ configuration, white 30-minute, 12-hour and running seconds counters on black, rather than vice-versa. Also for 2021, in Tudor’s more ‘homage-led’ fashion, there’s the new black-and-white Black Bay Chronograph, which being ‘bicompax’ means this bear seems to be wearing a white face mask. Pleasingly symmetrical, just two black eyes stare from a cocktail of racy, retro detailing, belying the cuttingedge mechanics ticking within – courtesy Breitling’s manufacture, followed by Tudor’s custom shop.

Trust Bulgari, however, to prove that an inherently nostalgic style needn’t always lean on the past. The reduxed cylindrical-section ‘Bvlgari Bvlgari’ in aluminium might have been an Eightiesjetset icon, but with the new panda chrono’ configuration – a few nips and tucks elsewhere – things feel purely, unaffectedly contemporary.

Discover luxury Swiss watches online at rox.co.uk and at selected ROX boutiques. www.rox.co.uk

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MECHANICS TO THE

MAX

The wind-up watch is becoming the essence of anti-obsolescence: lifeproof, future-proof and engineered to F1-levels of zero compromise.

Words by Alex Doak.

T

wenty years ago, one Nicolas Hayek Sr – architect of Switzerland’s recovery from the Seventies’ ‘Quartz Crisis’ and captain of the merged ‘Swatch Group’ brands – announced that Swatch could no longer be treated as a ‘supermarket’ by brands wanting to buy mechanical movements for instant ‘Swiss Made’ status. Despite the inevitable uproar over abuse of its monopoly status, Dr Hayek did, ultimately have a point: technological stagnation was nigh, and Switzerland’s reinvented ‘luxury watch’ industry couldn’t afford to be caught napping by the ‘next quartz’, while resting on marketing-forward laurels.

Posthumously, and many court rulings later, it seems Hayek finally got what he wanted. From Baume & Mercier’s ‘Baumatic’ powerhouse of

2018, developed entirely in-house for a ‘weekend proof’ five-day energy reserve plus resistance to every one of your smart devices’ rare-earth magnets, all the way up to Chopard’s establishment of Fleurier Ebauches – an entire factory forging ‘base movements’ in finer fashion than ever – a ‘better’ mechanical watch is what Switzerland now knows it needs to stay relevant.

Add this renewed spirit of innovation to the fact that, unlike smartwatches, a mechanical watch is an open-source, eternally reparable object, made in carbon-neutral factories perpetuating a UNESCOrecognised heritage, you’re no longer investing in luxury for the sake of it – you’re investing in passion, sustainability and legacy.

Let’s don our loupes and see what the boys in the lab have been up to…

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GRANDMASTER SPLASH Tudor’s diving legend gets the ultraantimagnetic QC Despite the stealth, utility-belt aesthetic, this 200-metre diving watch isn’t a buy into gadgetry for the sake of it. Instead, it represents nothing short of everywhere the high-end mechanical wristwatch should be going right now, having reinvented itself as an ‘investment’ post-Quartz Crisis and now following through with the sort of innovation that established Switzerland’s finest as the finest from the outset.

So, ‘weekend-proof’ it is, thanks not only to a ceramic case that squares up to the most errant of garage doors, but also the 70-hour punch packed by its ‘MT5602-1U’ mechanics ticking inside. That suffixed ‘U’ indicates genuine Batworthiness, as the most evil electromagnetic laser in Gotham wouldn’t flinch its chronometercertified precision.

That ‘U’ is graphic wordplay for a magnet – 15,000 Gauss’ worth of antimagnetism in fact, meaning you needn’t remove your watch before undergoing an MRI scan. If that sounds familiar, then you’re not mistaken: a full seven years on from Omega watches’ collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, or ‘METAS’, Tudor is only the second watch brand to finally take advantage of the bulletproof consumer confidence afforded by their ’Master Chronometer’ testing and certification programme.

And the list goes on: as of January this year, Tudor are dishing out a five year warranty (the usual is two) and advising a 10-year service interval where the received wisdom for a mechanical watch is five at best. Even Bruce Wayne had to rest occasionally; this is just relentless.

TUDOR watches are available online and at ROX Newcastle

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LOOK AFTER YOU LEAP Record-breaking super-slimmer Bulgari is keeping a tighter schedule than ever.

Bulgari’s Magnificent Seventh is nothing less than the thinnest-ever ‘perpetual calendar’ – that tortuously convoluted and error-prone added function, keeping the date perfectly, regardless of February or even leap years (except, admittedly, come March 1st 2100 when we skip February 29th, to rectify the Gregorians’ crude calculations and the Moon in general).

Not content with having conceived THE 21st-century design icon in wristwatch form, those boffins at the Roman jeweller’s Swiss outpost have gone on to frame nigh-on every ‘complication’ within the Octo Finissimo’s waferthin ziggurat: tourbillon, automatic, minute repeater, chronograph… and now this. Honing all 408 components into just 2.75mm of metallic sandwich is no mean feat, especially when the calendar mechanism operates as a ‘module’ piggybacking the base movement just below the dial. The circumferential winding rotor helps, but mostly it’s down to engineering an infinitessimal 3D jigsaw, in cahoots with deceptively economical dial layout.

Bulgari watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow

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SLIGHT OF HANDS A TAG Heuer for £14,350 that isn’t hewn from gold or studded with diamonds? Sounds particularly keen for Switzerland’s premier purveyor of affordable sports timekeeping.

But when you realise it comes fitted with a ‘tourbillon’ carriage, tumbling the escapement 360º every minute, usually commanding a £50,000-plus price tag and requisite adoration from the old school (Abraham-Louis Breguet’s friction-reducing solution of 1801 being in the business of bestowing black-belt status for today’s horological hardcore), the question turns from ‘huh?’ to ‘how in God’s name?’

Or, if you’re cut from even purer horological cloth, ‘how dare they?’

The fact that Jaeger-LeCoultre dared to launch a £25,000 tourbillon 15 years ago, before industry-wide outcry and a swift volte-face to nearer £50,000 says everything you need to know about how sensitive the Swiss industry can be about its perceived value and horological mystique. So how has TAG managed it?

Simply put, industry maven and past CEO, Jean-Claude Biver shaved the books more daringly than most would, placing all his trust in TAG’s flawless execution and charismatic sell-through. A sacrificial revenue stream perhaps, as well as a clever conversation-piece campaign… But throw in chronometer precision, as embodied by this year’s Carrera limited edition, in combination with the brand’s copperbottomed motorsport pedigree, and you have a bona fide podium-place underdog. All born of defiance entirely in keeping with TAG Heuer’s historic slogan “Don’t crack under pressure.”

TAG Heuer watches are available online and at ROX Newcastle

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BULL IN A FINER SHOP ‘Hyperhorology’ is a term that could only be applied to Geneva’s enfant terrible of hautede-gamme watchmaking; one look at the highoctane, skeletal micro-machines of Roger Dubuis and it’s no surprise their automotive partner is Sant'Agata's Raging Bull, Lamborghini. This year however, the performance engineering defers to the bodyshop, for a tune-up that goes far beyond go-faster stripes.

Mr Roger Dubuis only started his eponymous brand in 1995 – a blip to most other top-flight Swiss maisons, but, untethered by heritage, ample space in the meantime to evolve Patek Philippe’s incumbent maestro’s knowledge on its head. Occupying a state-of-the-art manufacture on the edges of Geneva, the worlds of King Arthur, steampunk and glam-noir enjoy brazen collision, all the while conforming to the Poinçon de Genève’s strict standards of top-flight craftsmanship.

“If we were a fashion brand,” flamboyant creative director Alvaro Maggini likes to say, in full knowledge of Switzerland’s old guard, “we would be Alexander McQueen.”

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CROUCHING PANTHER,

HIDDEN PASSION Yet again, disruptor general of Switzerland’s old guard is ruffling feathers – or rather capes – with a fantastical fusion of haute horlogerie and heroics. Words by Alex Doak.

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y Swiss watchmaking standards, March’s bombshell in press release form had all the high-octane thrill of an Avengers blockbuster. First, there was the surprise news that Audemars Piguet – the Vallée de Joux’s historic virtuoso of high horology – was partnering with Marvel. Yes, as in, the Disney-owned superherofranchise juggernaut.

Secondly, doubters were immediately checked by footage of AP’s charismatic CEO François-Henry Bennahmias seemingly joshing with War Machine himself, aka living Hollywood legend Don Cheadle. They’ve been friends for years, catalysing a one-off version of what you see here, in benefit of US non-profits First Book and Ashoka, kickstarting a collaboration with so much more than ‘TM’ to it.

“I first imagined working with Marvel 15 years ago,” Bennahmias reveals, “but we owe the current collaboration to an unexpected conversation with Don, a long-time friend who in 2017 called Marvel on the spot to arrange a meeting.”

It’s not so unlikely, given how wildly popular the watchmaker of Le Brassus has become

amongst the West Coast glitterati – switch on ESPN and there’ll be Royal Oaks aplenty, gleaming from the NBA’s VIPest of VIP courtside seats. Long-in-the-tooth purists may balk, but even they can’t deny that every one of them is crafted with the same pedigree spirit and ingenuity as back in 1875.

What you see here proves it, in playful defiance.

“When François told me about his longstanding interest in teaming up with Marvel,” counters Cheadle, “I said, ‘No time like the present. Let’s give them a call.’

“As an Avenger and a long-time friend, it was a no-brainer.”

Sure enough, self-anointed Avenger / Don Cheadle / War Machine has sparked an extraordinary horological origin story worthy of Peter Parker / Spiderman, played out upon the workbenches of AP’s complications atelier.

To whit: 250 white-gold and ceramic ‘Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon’ timepieces featuring king of Wakanda, T’Challa crouching atop a whirring tourbillon carriage, micro-engineered in predictably dramatic fashion. www.rox.co.uk

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It’s partly memorial to Chadwick Boseman, whose portrayal of the Wakanda superhero was heightened in poignancy when he died of colon cancer in 2020, aged just 43. His now-immortal character is sculpted exactingly from raw white gold by computer numerically controlled (CNC)

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Royal Oak – designed by Gérald Genta as the world’s first luxury watch in stainless steel. Not quite a Royal Oak, not quite an Offshore, the Concept’s ultra-hard titanium case was stretched and beefed up to celebrate Genta’s eight-strong geometrical obsession, running and running

“WHEN FRANÇOIS TOLD ME ABOUT HIS LONGSTANDING INTEREST IN TEAMING UP WITH MARVEL,” COUNTERS CHEADLE, “I SAID, ‘NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT. LET’S GIVE THEM A CALL.” milling machines. With a finesse deserving of ‘métiers d’arts’ status, these miniatures are then laser-engraved, followed by 30 human hours of painstaking hand-engraving and hand-painting; hands, claws, muscles and facial features sculpted by hand; numerous layers of diluted dark paint meticulously added to reach the perfect balance of texture, contrast and depth.

All in, thoroughly justifying that £118,000 pricetag.

The Royal Oak Concept was first unveiled in 2002 as an avant-garde, 30th-anniversary tribute to Audemars Piguet’s legendary octagonal

right through 2014’s Royal Oak GMT Tourbillon Concept, in Stormtrooper white ceramic – doubly appropriate given François-Henry Bennahmias’s unashamed Star Wars obsession.

“Do or do not. There is no try,” is blu-tacked to Bennahmias’ office door. It’s this fanboy tendency that has brought about, arguably, the biggest horological talking point of 2021.

Audemars Piguet watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow. www.rox.co.uk

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BREMONT ON

HIGH

Britain’s biggest watchmaker reaches higher altitude still, cutting the ribbon on ‘The Wing’ and fuelling hope for our once-worldrenowned industry. Words by Alex Doak.

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hey’ve come a long, long way from your correspondent’s first encounter with piloting brothers Nick and Giles English back in 2007, on a picnic bench outside the canteen of North Weald private airfield in Essex. Back then, it was a velvet-lined tray of four watches, three cups of tea and a KitKat. Today, take your choice of six velvet-upholstered bar stools and a fridge full of Gusbourne sparkling white, as you relax after a tour of the new Bremont Manufacturing and Technology Centre, aka ‘The Wing’.

Representing 19 years of raw, irrepressible ambition, not to mention significant upgrades to a long-in-thetooth trade long dominated by the closeted Swiss, The Wing is an end-toend mechanical watch manufacturing to rival the Jura’s finest. Bremont’s signature ‘Trip-Tick’ steel cases are engineered from raw metal bars on the CNC machining floor (five machines, each yours for around £650,000), meeting their chronometergrade mechanical innards along a succession of finishing and assembly workbenches, at the hands of top-

grade, tweezer-wielding watchmakers.

Not only that but an on-site boutique and aforementioned hospitality space, bedecked with Mayfair-worthy élan, only spiked with boyish, Biggles-worthy décor that speaks of the brand’s partnerships with Jaguar (see E-Type bonnet strapped to the lounge wall), MartinBaker ejector seats, Williams Racing (an actual F1 car) and, well, good old Blighty herself – a red telephone box out front.

This is a state-of-the-art facility for manufacturing the reborn mechanical wristwatch, the likes of which hasn’t been seen here in the UK since the 1970s, when electronics had us believing springs and levers were done for. Nothing less than £20 million and 35,000 square feet’s worth of purpose-built, industrialised horology, housed in what can only be described as an architectural aerofoil, arcing elegantly from the bucolic Oxfordshire’s landscape.

Sitting on the edge of Henleyon-Thames, where the irrepressible English brothers founded Bremont in 2002, it was designed by Spratley & Partners on a former piggery, with www.rox.co.uk

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strong eco-credentials such as a living roof, helping to blend the requisite glass and steel into the landscape, plus recycled air heating system.

A big leap from the oak-framed barn Jeremy Spratley designed nearby for the brothers ten years ago (quickly outgrown), and a country mile from the days of catering a la Nestlé.

Despite GB’s disparate enterprises in

west bearing within a few miles, winning the £20,000 ‘Longitude Prize’ as a result. His watchmaker colleagues then faced the challenge of achieving the same result by simpler, cheaper and more conventional means – and succeeded magnificently.

Starting around 1750, British marine chronometers were the world’s best. Even the

“WE’VE ALWAYS SET OUR SIGHTS ON BRINGING WATCHMAKING HOME AND IT BECAME THE FOCUS OF OUR ADVENTURE” watchmaking – not least that of the Isle of Man’s Roger Smith who perpetuates his mentor George Daniels’ legacy of ‘purist’, hand-made English horology – the Bremont story is a long time coming. Switzerland may have copied, then improved and marketed it toward justifiable market dominance, but we’re talking a very British trade. Every major escapement design and around three quarters of related innovations came from these shores.

With his extravagantly complicated mechanisms, John Harrison showed that it was possible to design a timekeeper that could be used on rough seas to determine your east112

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cheapest British pocket watches enjoyed an excellent reputation and their makers’ names have become legend: Thomas Tompion (1638-1713) being rightfully considered the founding father of British horology, pioneering the ‘cylinder’ escapement. Thomas Mudge (1720-1794) was sometimes called the ‘English Breguet’, inventing the jewelled-lever escapement and leap-yearproof ‘perpetual calendar. Then along came John Arnold and Thomas Earnshaw, whose genuinely practicable marine chronometers ensured Britannia ruled the waves well into the 19th century, earning remunerative encouragement from Parliament and priceless endorsement at

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the hands of Captain James Cook on his second voyage of 1772.

Earnshaw also designed excellent ‘deck’ watches kept in officers’ pockets aboard ship; nearly as precise as the bridge’s marine chronometer, suspended perfectly flat on gimbals in a wooden case. A few of these watches have survived and after more than 200 years still achieve daily rates of one second. Which is ‘precisely’ the nature of watch manufacturing that Bremont seeks to reestablish on these shores: reliable, exquisitely engineered chronometers for the 21st century’s multitudinous breed of explorer, be they nautical, aeronautical, Alpine or sub-aquatic.

"Manufacturing takes considerable time and investment to get right,” extols Nick English, Giles’ younger sibling. “However, we’ve always set our sights on bringing watchmaking home and it became the focus of our adventure.

“So here we are at the next bend in the road of that journey.”

Over 14 years ago, Bremont was entirely dependent on its Swiss partners for the supply of mostly chronograph movements, and most everything else. While still necessarily doing so for components like dome crystals, wheels, jewels etc., the ‘British’ value is being upped exponentially in terms of raw manufacture, on top of the brand’s brilliant conception, strategic

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allegiances and occasional innovations (the Martin-Baker shockproof technology and ‘RotoClick’ inner bezel notable amongst them). They’re hovering around 10,000 per year now, but The Wing could take them all the way to 50,000.

As newly installed engineering maestro-cummanaging director Chris Reynolds attests, “To reinvigorate British watchmaking is the snappy, slightly simplified tagline. The truth is there are a number of wonderful boutique watchmakers doing some incredible things on these shores, but nobody quite like what we are already doing.

“In fact our current facilities and certainly our ambitions extend far beyond what many of our Swiss counterparts are doing.”

Tally-ho, chaps, chocks most definitely away.

If you find yourself down South, do book a hosted tour of The Wing. Every penny of your £25 ticket goes to the Jon Egging Trust, a charity supporting vulnerable young people set up in honour of the Red Arrows pilot who died during a tragic display accident in 2011. (And if you ask nicely, you might even get a Kit-Kat.) bremont.com/products/the-bremont-tour Bremont watches are available online, at ROX Glasgow and ROX Newcastle www.rox.co.uk

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Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan Watch 75729 | £61,500

WATCH THIS SPACE Just in time for the new season, we catch up with @thegentlemanselect to see what’s making him tick right now.

Guaranteeing depth and intensity, a black timepiece will always make you stand out from the crowd. With black becoming one of the watch world’s biggest trends there is a lot to choose from, just make sure you look out for high-tech materials combined with timeless chic designs.

Bulgari Aluminium Watch 76461 | £2,430

DARK MATTER

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Bremont Supermarine GMT Watch 76395 | £5,395

Zenith Chronomaster Sport Watch 76251 | £7,900

Bomberg BB-01 Automatic Watch 75330 | £1,395

Hublot Big Bang Unico Watch 76842 | £16,500

Jacob & Co Epic X Chrono Bugatti Watch 77640 | £32,250

Zenith Defy Extreme Watch 76546 | £15,300

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan Watch 75727 | £42,500

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watch 76325 | £1,550

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Luminescent blue faces, midnight blue dials and matching blue bezels are just some of the stand out design features ensuring that the blue watch trend is not going anywhere. Blue is still the most in demand colour in horology right now and this edit shows you why.

TUDOR Royal Watch 76152 | £1,730

TRUE BLUE

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Zenith Defy Extreme Watch 76547 | £15,300

Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinkski Watch 76274 | £11,200

Zenith Defy 21 Ultrablue Watch 76414 | £11.300

Hublot Big Bang Unico Watch 76880 | £16,500

TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight Watch 75075 | £2,520

Zenith Chronomaster Sport Watch 76381 | £7,900

TAG Heuer Connected Watch 77060 | £1,495

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While once considered a mere passing trend in watchmaking, the ceramic watch is no longer just a fad. Non-metallic cases are part of a bold and brilliant watch evolution, and the truth is that ceramic materials have become permanent fixtures in the horological world.

Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Watch 69691 | £18,200

A NEW ERA

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Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Watch 57318 | £13,000

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Watch 75207 | £2,250

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watch 76326 | £1,850

Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu II Watch 76536 | £22,600

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Jacob & Co.Epic X Chrono Watch 76143 | £20,750

Zenith Defy 21 Urban Jungle Watch 76252 | £12,200

TUDOR Black Bay Ceramic Watch 76817 | £3,550

Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Watch 68721 | £11,300

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IT’S COMPLICATED Marvel at centuries of craftsmanship, passed through the generations, through open-worked dials. Seeing is believing.

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Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan Watch 75727 | £42,500

OUTSIDE EDGE

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Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan Watch 75729 | £61,500

TAG Heuer Connected Watch 76647 | £2,100

Jacob & Co Astronomia Solar Planets Zodiac Watch 76142 | £348,000

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Watch 74789 | £36,500

TAG Heuer Connected Watch 75776 | £1,950

Hublot Big Bang E Watch 75094 | £4,800

Jacob & Co Epic SF 24 Watch 77638 | £87,500

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TAG Heuer Aquaracer Watch 76555 | £2,500

OUTSIDE EDGE

WRIST ACTION Embrace the longstanding appeal of an bracelet strap. Polished metal and timeless design combine to create a powerful look that will never go out of style.

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Zenith Chronomaster Revival 76242 | £7,100

Tudor Royal Watch 78050 | £2,530

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Watch 76464 | £9,950

TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Watch 76243 | £5,000

Chopard Alpine Eagle Watch 75464 | £16,800

Hublot Big Bang Integral Watch 76276 | £19,100

TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight Watch 70081 | £2,760

Zenith Chronomaster Original Watch 76552 | £7,500

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WRIST APPEAL From dazzling diamonds to skater chic, here’s what your wrist should be sporting this season.

Words by Laura McCreadie Doak.

HUBLOT

SPIRIT OF BIG BANG TITANIUM DIAMONDS Diamonds. Rubber. Titanium. This watch is a clash of contradictions. The everyday with the exceptional; the sporty with the sophisticated; it could be worn all day or saved for after dark. Hublot is renowned for its lack of concern for how things should be done, which leads to bold designs that shouldn’t work but always do and timepieces that can take anything your wardrobe can throw at it.

70138 | £13,900

AUDEMARS PIGUET

ROYAL OAK

You can’t go wrong with pink gold and diamonds, as this Royal Oak proves. Legend has it that this watch was designed overnight to impress the Italians. It doesn’t look like a rush job. Everything from the octagonal bezel to the streamlined integrated bracelet is so perfectly complementary, it feels contemporary yet timeless. Despite all the precious metal, this is first and foremost a sports watch. So return it to its case when the cocktails come out.

68030 | £50,800

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CHOPARD

HAPPY SPORT 36MM If the most recent London Fashion Week is anything to go by colour is the new black. From juicy neons at Molly Goddard to tasselled rainbows at Halpern and rich verdant green at Richard Malone. The same shade as this gorgeous Chopard, as it happens.

Making the colour pop even more are the five sparkling diamonds that skid around the dial when you move. It’s the happiest watch in the world. The clue’s in the name.

76307 | £8,020

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JACOB & CO

BRILLIANT MYSTERY BAGUETTE When it comes to watches that combine sophisticated horology with sheer audacity, you can’t beat Jacob & Co. The first thing you notice when you look at this watch is diamonds. Lots and lots of diamonds. 172 baguette-cut ones to be precise. Then you notice that the hands appear to float suspended in panes of incredibly thin sapphire glass, creating this beautiful sense of space and stillness in amongst all the glittering stones. Just breath-taking. Limited edition, number 4 of 18.

77639 | £270,000

GUCCI

GRIP YELLOW GOLD PVD

BULGARI

BULGARI LADY 33MM Inspired by curved inscriptions found on ancient Roman coins, the Bulgari Bulgari was originally designed, in 1977, as a man’s watch. Rather than riffing on the 1970s decadence, this women’s iteration takes inspiration from its 1980s sporty incarnation. Bicolour is big news this year and this subtle take on the trend adds an element of opulence to an everyday timepiece. Wear with the classic combination of white shirt and stonewashed denim for the ultimate in relaxed luxe.

76460 | £7,200

This unusual design comes out of Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele’s love to 1970s skater culture. Despite looking like a parking meter, the shape of the yellow gold PVD case is based on the grip pad at the front of a skateboard. It is certainly an attention-grabbing timepiece and one that has been designed to be unisex. So, watch out for your other half stealing it.

74239 | £1,320

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GET

happy

Julia Roberts is the new face, and smile, of Chopard’s Happy Sport. We find out how this amazing pairing came together. Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

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t’s the most obvious pairing you’re almost surprised it hasn't happened before – the world’s most iconic smile and a watch so joyful, it was named “Happy”. We are, of course, referring to Julia Roberts joining Chopard as the ambassador for its iconic dancingdiamond design.

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the brand. “Julia Roberts was the only person I felt could convey the spirit that I see in Happy Sport. I also loved the way she made history on the red carpet in Cannes for the first time, walking up the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals, barefoot, wearing an off-theshoulder black dress highlighting a Chopard Haute Joaillerie emerald and diamond necklace.”

That act of fashion rebellion

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in 2016 came just a year after organisers of the Festival turned away a group of women for wearing rhinestone flats instead of the obligatory high heels. It cemented Roberts’ reputation as America’s carefree sweetheart, one that she has been garnering since she announced, in 1990’s Pretty Woman, that the opera was so good she “almost peed [her] pants”. This mix of the casual with the glamorous is at the heart of Chopard’s Happy Sport; a design, which, back in the 1990s broke watch-making protocol by pairing diamonds and steel.

“There is something about having a watch and, every time you look at it, seeing all these sparkling diamonds whirling around,” says Roberts when asked what is so special about the Happy Sport. “It’s pretty awesome and truly good stuff.” The other thing that makes Roberts proud to work for Chopard is the company’s on-going commitment to being the most ethical and sustainable brand possible. Under the moniker “responsible luxury” it has changed to using 100% ethical gold – recycled or fairmined – for all its products; all its stones are ethically mined, with Chopard working directly with mines to ensure all stones are conflict-free and its leather is sourced from responsible breeding farms and tanneries with a fully traceable supply chain.

“I would say that the idea of responsible luxury is something that not enough brands pay attention to,” says Roberts. “The thing with a Maison like Chopard is that it has really pioneered the idea of having a conscience, leading the charge and setting an example for other brands to follow.”

The star power isn’t just in front of the camera for this campaign. To shoot the accompanying video Chopard sought the services of Xavier Dolan, a Cannes Film Festival darling, who has won eight prizes at the Festival including the Jury Prize for his 2014 feature Mommy and the Grand Prix in 2016 for his film It’s Only the End of the World.

“I was really flattered and, I think, a bit intimidated too, because I've never shot a commercial before. So I guess I felt ‘happy’!,” says Dolan when asked how he felt when he received the call from Chopard. “Julia Roberts been important to my life and my story, particularly through Erin Brockovich, I was probably nine or 10 when I first saw it.

Maybe – and I suppose it's normal – up until that point, I'd only ever seen women on-screen used as accessories, or being objectified, less in control of their destinies. And I remember being very impressed by her freedom, her personality, and that really has stayed with me ever since.

So knowing I’d get to work with her was obviously exciting for me.”

The result is a campaign that feels astonishingly natural and unstaged, as though Dolan happened to have a camera on while Roberts broke into an impromptu dance. And of course, there are lots of close-ups of that famous smile.

Chopard Watches and Jewellery are available online and at ROX Glasgow www.rox.co.uk

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WORLD AT HER FEET Sydney McLaughlin has a world and Olympic record, two gold medals, a TAG Heuer ambassadorship, and she’s still only 22. We delve into the back story of this remarkable woman.

Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

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t was at the age of six, when she was taken to her first track meet, that Sydney McLaughlin knew that this was what she wanted to do with her life. Daughter of two former track athletes, Willie and Mary McLaughlin, and surrounded by sporty siblings, it wasn’t much of a leap. What was, was the speed with which Sydney’s career took off.

“Running was just fun.

Winning for the first time and seeing how happy my parents were and getting rewarded with candy—I decided that’s what I wanted to do,” she says speaking to L’Officiel, for whom she covered the June online edition of the magazine.

“My parents didn’t really coach or train me—they just let me run and I would win, and they saw potential in that.”

By 14 she was placed second in the USA Track and Field Junior National Championships with a time of 55.63 in the 400m hurdles – a national high-school freshman record.

This race, with the demands it makes on the body, the endurance it requires

and the added challenge of speed, is considered the hardest track and field event. Not surprisingly considering you’re being asked to sprint 400m while leaping over ten 30-inch-high barriers.

Sydney’s winning streak was only just starting. The year after, at only 15, she took golds at the National Scholastic Athletics (NSAF) Indoor Nationals, NSAF Nationals and the US World Youth Trials. A year later the Olympics came calling. 2016, Sydney attended the Olympic Trials, a 10-day event where hopefuls compete for a place on the squad. Sydney’s father made it to the 400m sprint semi-finals in 1984, Sydney was to do better. Much better. She became the youngest woman since 1980 to qualify for the 400m hurdles, earning her the nickname “Syd the Kyd”.

Rio wasn’t the success story she hoped it would be. The international attention, the presence of all these athletes she admired, and the high levels of competition led to anxiety and nerves and, eventually, www.rox.co.uk

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a fifth place. Bear in mind this was still a girl who had a year of high school left; she was also experiencing bullying from online trolls as well as girls at school. However, appropriately for a TAG Heuer ambassador she didn’t “crack under pressure”, she learned from it. She went to the University of Kentucky for a year, before finally deciding to leave university to go pro. At the ripe old age of 18.

She made the decision to change her coach to superstar coach Bob Kersee, who has trained many elite athletes, including his wife Jackie Joyner-Kersee who won three Olympic golds, one silver, and two bronze across four Games in both heptathlon and long jump. Kersee introduced her to new techniques, including using 14 strides between hurdles instead of the usual 15. The changes paid off. June 2021, in Eugene, Oregon, she became the first woman to complete this notoriously tough race in under 52 seconds, setting both Olympic and World records.

Both of which she subsequently broke when she took her first gold in Tokyo with an astonishing time of 51.46 seconds beating her teammate and former Olympic gold winner Dalilah Muhammad before taking her second gold as part of the 4x400m relay team.

“You need somebody who’s going to push you to be your best, and I think that’s what we do so well,” she explained when speaking to the Guardian after her historic win. “It’s iron sharpening iron. Every time we step on the track it’s always something fast. I saw Dalilah ahead of me with one to go. I just thought: ‘Run your race.’

The race doesn’t really start till hurdle seven. I just wanted to go out there and give it everything I had. I’m absolutely delighted.” Syndey is now firmly impressed on the global psyche. She was nominated by multi-Olympic award winning 200m and 400m sprinted Allyson Felix as one of this year’s TIME100Next list – a list of emerging leaders who are shaping the future – alongside the likes of poet Amanda Gorman, footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford, and actor and LGBTQ+ rights activist Hunter Schafer.

“I train alongside Syd every day, and what I notice the most is her tremendous potential and not just as an Olympic athlete. She has the potential to become the most outstanding 400m hurdler of all time, yes, but, more importantly, Syd has the potential to impact lives. That is her greatest strength and her greatest opportunity.”

Said Felix in her piece on the youth athlete.

She is also the face of New Balance’s

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“We Got Now” campaign celebrating those who didn’t let the pandemic stand in the way of their goals, which Sydney certainly didn’t – training through lockdown on the streets of Los Angeles, sneaking into locked tracks, and even decamping to Arizona when it opened up while L.A. was still closed. Sydney also has a popular You Tube channel where she shares her passion for food and fashion with her 27.6k followers, as well as giving them tutorials on how to replicate her amazing make-up looks. As if that wasn’t enough, in August, her former NLF receiver boyfriend Andre Levrone Jr proposed.

Planning a wedding? Just another hurdle for this champion to take in her stride.

TAG Heuer watches are available online and at ROX Newcastle www.rox.co.uk

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watch £18,700 (75062), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 3.00cts £9,995 (71388), ROX Adore Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring from £1,995 (75761)

HIGH SHINE Shine bright in breathtaking diamonds and the latest luxury timepieces and learn the art of stacking in our latest ladies jewellery and watch edit. Get ready to start your wish list.

STACK IT UP Stacking your most treasured pieces is a trend that’s here to stay. Take inspo from our favourite street style stars and fashionistas, mix and match your diamonds, precious metals and of course your favourite watch. When it comes to stacking, more is most definitely more!

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Beige Watch £16,500 (76350), ROX Diamond Dress Ring 1.65cts £4,995 (75458), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 8.00cts £14,995 (72695), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 5.00cts £6,995 (69144), Chopard Ice Cube Bangle Rose Gold £4,270 (72996), Chopard Ice Cube Bangle White Gold £4,440 (74886)

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ROX Diamond Love Necklace 0.28cts £895 (73166), ROX Diamond Collar 14.18cts £23,500 (76122), ROX Honour Diamond Ring from £1,655 (75760), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 4.30cts £19,995 (71407), Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watch £27,900 (62975), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 8.00cts £14,995 (72695)

ROX Diamond Hoop Earrings 2.44cts £2,995 (72421), ROX Love Diamond Ring from £2,125 (75773), Hublot Classic Fusion Watch £9,100 (74465), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 1.00cts £2,495 (71322), ROX Love Diamond Bangle 2.00cts £3,995 (71325), ROX Diamond Twist Bangle 1.43cts £2,995 (74158)

ROX Diamond Bracelet 3.00cts 67060 | £3,995

ROX Love Diamond Bangle 2.00cts 71325| £3,995

ROX Diamond Bangle 1.43cts 74158 | £2,995

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Watch 77946 | £13,900

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ROX Diamond Initial Necklace £395 (76363), ROX Diamond Initial Necklace from £675 (76365)

ROX Cascade Diamond Necklace 0.72cts £2,695 (71812), ROX Cascade Diamond Ring 1.15cts £3,200 (72820), ROX Cascade Diamond Ring 0.45cts £1,495 (77595), ROX Cascade Diamond Two Row Ring 0.94cts £2,795 (77594)

ROX Diamond Necklace 0.40cts 73899 | £895

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ROX Infinity Pendant 0.41cts 71905 | £1,495

ROX Diamond Necklace 0.15cts 76749 | £695

ROX Diamond Necklace 0.90cts 76788 | £2,495

TRUE ROMANCE After an unforgettable year, we’re all in the mood for a little more love. Inspired by the art of romance our latest diamond collections will capture her heart and be an everlasting symbol of your love and devotion.

ROX Heart Diamond Necklace 0.21cts £995 (72010), ROX Heart Diamond Necklace 0.12cts £695 (72008), ROX Heart Diamond Necklace 0.12cts £695 (75517), ROX Heart Pendant 0.52cts £1,395 (75519), ROX Ruby and Diamond Ring £10,500 (76096), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,795 (53312)

DIAMOND CRUSH Choosing the perfect engagement ring is one of the most important decisions a couple will ever make. That’s why we ensure each and every ROX engagement ring inspires and delights and signifies the sentimental spirit of your love story.

ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.33cts £1,995 (69773), ROX Love Diamond Ring from £2,125 (75773), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 1.00ct £3,995 (71389), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 8.00cts £14,995 (72695), ROX Diamond Tennis Bracelet 5.00cts £6,995 (69144), ROX Diamond Bracelet 8.30cts£12,950 (71173), ROX Diamond Bracelet 10.78cts £19,500 (74129)

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ROX Marquise Cut Diamond Halo Ring from £2,650 (75794), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.33ct £1,695 (71391)

ROX Adore Trilogy Diamond Ring from £4,500 (76423) ROX Love Diamond Trilogy Ring from £3,695 (75779)

ROX Love Diamond Ring 77920 | from £3,350

ROX Honour Diamond Ring 75752 | from £1,995

ROX Adore Diamond Ring 76907 | from £2,495

ROX Love Diamond Ring 77930 | from £12,995

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ROX Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring 2.63cts £11,200 (76039), Zenith Defy Midnight 36mm Watch £9,300 (74948)

ROX Ruby and Diamond Ring £10,500 (76096), ROX Diamond Eternity Ring 0.75ct £2,795 (53312) ROX Yellow Diamond Halo Ring from £6,500 (76158), ROX Yellow Diamond Halo Ring 0.75ct from £14,500 (76157), ROX Yellow Diamond Halo Ring from £3,495 (76159)

ROX Love Yellow Diamond Ring 76158 | from £6,500

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ROX Love Sapphire Ring 76327 | from £2950

ROX Honour Pink Sapphire Ring 77947 | £17,995

ROX Love Yellow Diamond Ring 76159 | from £3,495

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OUTSIDE EDGE

OVER THE RAINBOW Cue the rise of feel good jewels. Coloured gemstones are having a moment and our newest ring collection burns bright with a sense of sheer optimism. Choose from eye popping yellow diamonds, seductive sapphires and elegant emeralds.

ROX Yellow Diamond Ring from £14,500 (76157), ROX Emerald and Diamond Ring £7,200 (76097), ROX Yellow Diamond Ring from £2,495 (76159), ROX Yellow Diamond Ring from £3,495 (76156), ROX Ruby and Diamond Ring £10,500 (76096), ROX Sapphire and Diamond £11,200 (76039)

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SWEET LIKE CANDY Pastel-hued watches steal the show with delicately crafted designs and finishes that shine in splendour. This season bask in the alluring glow of mood boosting coloured straps and wow factor diamonds dials.

Chopard Happy Sport Watch £12,000 (76716), Chopard Happy Sport Watch £8,710 (76447)

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Chopard Happy Sport Watch £7,370 (76715), Chopard Happy Sport Watch £8,710 (76447), Chopard Happy Sport Watch £12,000 (76716)

ROX Yellow Diamond Halo Ring from £3,495 (76159), Hublot Big Bang One Click Watch £15,600 (76272)

Baume & Mercier Classima Watch 77898 | £1,140

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Watch 76350 | £16,500

Chopard Happy Sport Watch 76447 | £8,710

Roger Dubuis Velvet Watch 77523 | £38,100

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MAKING THE CUT

Nothing sparks joy quite like the charm of an exquisitely crafted piece of jewellery but who are the masters behind the craftsmanship?

Words by Maxine McCreadie.

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ewellery is more than a mere possession. Each piece is a shimmering looking glass into a time gone by, immortalising milestone moments and cherished memories.

Its beauty lies in its ability to be a natural storyteller. Engagement rings tell tales of blossoming romance, wedding bands of new beginnings and eternity rings of a lifetime of devotion.

Put simply, nothing becomes interwoven into family histories quite like jewellery. Passed through the generations it’s the one thing in life that’s truly priceless.

However, there’s a story behind each piece that’s rarely told – one where science, technique and art meet.

Just as jewellery is an heirloom passed from generation to generation,

so too is the craftsmanship behind each piece. Centuries of skill is handed from one master craftsman to another with each sharing secrets of artistry and creative vision.

Speaking of the art of craftsmanship, ROX managing director Kyron Keogh says: “Making handcrafted, beautiful, and life-long pieces of jewellery is one of the reasons I love working in the industry.

“It’s not possible to rush a piece of jewellery. The care and attention that goes into one ring that you know will be enjoyed for generations to come is like no other feeling."

Capturing the mood Of course, it’s not simply the craftsmanship that makes a luxury piece of jewellery. The emotion it www.rox.co.uk

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beholds is equally as important.

That’s why it’s important to transform raw creativity into a design brief. From mood boards awash with inspiration to being inspired by fleeting moments in everyday life, the art of jewellery design begins with capturing one glorious mood – joy.

“Inspiration can come from anywhere,” reveals ROX’s head of jewellery design, Ailsa Mackie.

“It can be from a walk amongst nature or emerging out of trends from the fashion world.

Take the ROX Cosmic collection, for example, it’s inspired by the Aurora Borealis, far galaxies and astrological phenomena in our atmosphere.”

Despite constantly being inspired by an ever evolving world, one thing remains the same in every design – the time and effort into every piece.

Being trusted with a treasure trove of stories is a privilege and something that can’t be rushed.

That’s why artisan designers, like Ailsa, spend months planning and preparing each collection.

The thought of proposing may seem daunting enough already without the added pressure of designing a ring from scratch. However, there’s an undeniable joy in seeing a creation that perfectly captures your love come to life in front of your eyes.

What’s more, the process isn’t complicated.

It all starts with a conversation to allow the team to get to know you and most importantly your tale. A designer will then share sketches before eventually sharing a computer-aided design and a 3D model to try on.

Then, when you have a feel for exactly what the jewellery will look like, the art of craftsmanship begins. The makers painstakingly create all jewellery by hand to deliver something truly breathtaking.

“Trust the craft” Every hand that touches a piece of jewellery adds value – whether that is skill or sentiment.

In a modern world where digital products and fast fashion reign supreme, there’s a very important place for time-honoured craftsmanship.

While we may be dazzled by a piece of jewellery and taken aback by our emotional reaction to it, the painstaking work by each creator should never be forgotten.

Speaking of the art of jewellery design, ROX CEO Grant Mitchell adds: “Many people are interested in the craft, especially where there is meaning behind a piece, but ultimately, they trust the process and are excited to see their vision come to life as a finished piece arrives.”

Bespoke design is on the rise That’s not to say that clients don’t play an important role in jewellery creation.

No two love stories are the same and it is a desire to capture their own tales that is encouraging record numbers of to design their own engagement ring, or indeed any piece of jewellery.

“Interest in bespoke design has definitely built over the past few years,” says ROX area manager Alan Street.

“People want statement pieces, something unique. Social media has added to this; people’s Discover more about the ROX bespoke jewellery pieces are no longer just seen by those at the service at www.rox.co.uk/engagement-rings/ event but can be seen by anyone in the world.” bespoke 148

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MEET THE MAKERS THE DESIGNER The initial creative force behind a piece of jewellery they use their experience and imagination to create digital and sketched designs. Despite being fuelled by creative freedom, they understand the technical constraints that jewellery construction imposes.

THE MODEL MAKER They are responsible for taking that artwork and transforming it into a wax representation of the piece.

This 3D model allows our experts, as well as the customer, to get a realistic feel for the jewellery before it’s approved and passed onto our craftsmen to be made.

THE GEMOLOGIST An expert who can identify and grade coloured gemstones and diamonds to establish a host of important information, such as whether the stone is natural, synthetic or has had treatment.

THE DIAMOND CUTTER Also known as a diamantaire, their role is to enhance the brilliance of the stone – its ability to reflect light. The aim is to achieve maximum brilliance, whilst preserving as much of the diamond’s size and weight as possible.

THE POLISHER They are an expert in refining surfaces to provide the perfect finish. Theirs is a meticulous and highly skilled task, working with powerful machinery while carrying out a delicate process, fashioning the materials to take the existing jewellery piece and see it sparkle like it was new.

THE SETTER Using their microscope and tiny setting tools to work with utmost precision, the setter ensures that the gems are securely placed within the mount, providing integrity to the piece as it begins to take shape.

THE HALLMARKER A gatekeeper of quality, the hallmarker ensures that only the highest quality metals are used in the jewellery design process. The hallmarker will assess the metal's quality and only provide a mark of approval if deserved.

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Over 18s only. Please drink responsibly. - www.moet.com

WEDDINGS

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wow THE

FACTOR

Give your nuptials the wow factor with perfect planning, memorable details and lots of sparkle.

Call in the professionals Just like any professionally curated event, an event planner will ensure your day runs seamlessly and most importantly will take away the stresses and strains that wedding planning can often bring. Their job is to leave you to be your most exquisite and serene self.

Shop around and meet with different planners until you find one that suits your personality and style and get recommendations from others brides and wedding professionals. Florists, venue managers and make-up artists are great people to ask! couples for whom a smaller more intimate ceremony will always hold Don’t scrimp on the music more appeal. Smaller numbers, more Don’t scrimp on the things people focus on loved ones and more budget remember, ie the entertainment. What’s to play with for all the details is the a party after all without a great band big appeal. A smaller, more intimate or DJ? When planning your budget ceremony also allows you to get super consider investing in a really good creative with venues and locations. quality wedding band that come with Wedding in your back garden anyone? lots of reviews and recommendations.

Great music will make or break your Consult a ring expert party vibe and you want people dancing We want to make life easy for on tables ‘til dawn after all. all of our clients when buying from us online and in our boutiques, Small can still be beautiful however, we can’t sing the praises of Even with restrictions and number our engagement ring experts enough. caps a thing of the past (hallelujah!!) They really are there to help with there is a still a big proportion of every step of your engagement process 152

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and have invaluable knowledge on cut, clarity and carats! They can offer advice of trends and styles as well as being able to help guide your through our bespoke service for those searching for something truly unique.

Banish the curfew As we embrace parties once again, stopping dancing at midnight just seems so wrong, make sure your venue is flexible on timings. If you really want to dance until the wee hours seek out a remote venue with no neighbours and an exclusive use door policy. A remote Scottish castle anyone?

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 1.07cts 76897 | £3,200

ROX Adore Diamond Ring 0.37ct 74776 | £1,695

Create a memorable tablescape Blame the pandemic, but tablescapes has never been more of a buzz word and when it comes to weddings it’s time to play. Pick your theme, design your mood board and go crazy.

Flowers, candles, linens and personalised touches will leave a lasting impression. And remember it doesn’t need to break the bank. Search vintage and charity shops for china and glass wear, find local linen and embroidery experts and forage for flowers and greenery for a truly authentic touch.

I’ll Drink to That With weddings back firmly on the agenda, every couple wants to make sure their big day is filled with special touches that create memories that will last a lifetime. Consider special wines and champagnes to be served throughout the day and pick one that becomes your signature. Buy some cases and pop a bottle on all of your special occasion to come.

ROX Adore Diamond Bangle 1.09cts 76890 | £3,400

Say I Do in Diamonds Once you’ve said yes to the dress, accessories will add that all important sparkle. Choosing your wedding jewellery is poignant and every time you wear those pieces, you will have the perfect reminder of your big day. Our fine jewellery collections are designed to complement and enhance our engagement ring and wedding band collections and we have so many designs to suits all tastes and budgets from timeless and simple to daring and wow factor. www.rox.co.uk

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ART OF

SEDUCTION Sexy, polished perfection is what we all want when it comes to party season make-up. Globally renowned make up artist Sara Hill takes us through how she created this look for our latest campaign shoot.

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reparation is key when creating a golden glowing skin. After cleansing I started by using Ren Perfect Canvas Serum to even out the skin texture then applied Dr Seabaugh Luminous Glow Cream, which is my favourite moisturiser as not only does it hydrate the skin it

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gives the most beautiful glow under makeup.

Next Armani Silk foundation has been my go to for many years.

It's creamy, lightweight and blends beautifully. I applied this with a damp sponge then buffed out the edges with a round fluffy brush to achieve that airbrushed look. To add warmth I then

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BEAUTY

applied Chanel Bronzing Cream! I think this must be my most used kit product. It's so natural and the perfect shade for Roxy.

To lift Roxy’s brows I used the new wonder brow product from Refy, if you want that feather brow look this is the best thing I’ve tried. I prepped Roxy’s eyes to create a longer lasting eyeshadow base with Vieve Eye wand in Sand.

Then used their shades from the vieve Essentials palette to create the golden smokey eye look.

Single lashes were applied at the corners my favourites are sweed Nikki no lash lashes! And I finished off the eyes with sweed black mascara.

The lips were created with Huda beauty liquid lipstick in shade Wifey and finished with MAC clear gloss.

I always like to set the makeup with powder at the very end in case there’s any touch ups. I love Charlotte Tilbury's loose powder because it is so Lux and sheer and not too matte.

And finally a pop of Bobbi Brown's nectar blush was added to Roxy’ cheeks to complete the look.

HUDA BEAUTY Liquid Lipstick

BOBBI BROWN Nectar Blush

ARMANI Silk Foundation

VIEVE Essentials Palette

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RUN FROM THE SUN So many of us have caught the running bug thanks to you know what, but how to stay motivated and keep pounding pavement, now that the evenings are drawing in? As selected by ROX Magazine’s very own Alex Doak, who ran the London Marathon with official timekeeper TAG Heuer back in October, here’s the his’n’hers gear to give you some idea – and, more importantly, keep you looking more Mo than slow.

KEEP YOUR RACE FACE FRESH Think before as well as after, especially in winter – the infamous ‘runner’s face’ really is a thing, thanks to the unrelenting elements, in combination with UV, salty sweat and oxidative stress. So before, slap on some of Premax’s cult running cream, all the way from Australia (£21, premax.co), protecting your skin thanks to a weaponised combo of shea butter, aloe and vitamin E. Then, after cleansing, nourish your poor, battered visage with some of Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer (£31.50, kiehls.co.uk), which quite literally does what it says on the tin. More grizzled men may prefer to tend to their crow’s feet with an intensive, firming hyaluronic acid serum (£90, skinceuticals.co.uk).

JACKET REQUIRED Get out there and stay out there, you two!

Just as easily done as said, thanks to this brace of high-tech outerwear, whose seemingly space-made fibres not only wick away sweat from inside but do a bafflingly good job preventing outside moisture coming the other way. You’ll be kept toasty, too –thanks to the Nike Windrunner’s pocket-packable double stretch-shell polyester/elastane (£90, mrporter. com), and the RAB Alpha Flux jacket’s fleece insulation located in all the places most affected by wind chill (£140, rab.equipment).

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FITNESS

BEATS ‘N’ TRACK Once the birdsong quietens and your distances lengthen, the sound of panting and rubber on gravel can become tedious not to mention demotivating. Music is the obvious answer, but what if you’re worried about mixing electronics with horizontal rain? No fear, for we’re living in the golden age of wireless earbud technology, just so long as you’re happy to invest in a smartwatch (see below) or one of those velcro arm holsters for your phone (see Amazon). Sony’s new WF-1000XM4 are at the priciest end (£250) but pack in a discotheque of tech: wind noise reduction, water and sweat resistance, eight hours of continuous playback, the spec goes on and on… Or if you prefer to have play/pause etc. to hand, the Sennheiser CX Sport headset (£119, johnlewis.com) offers great value and ultra-marathon lengths of battery life.

SHOE IN The singular, non-negotiable runner’s essential – the first thing you buy as a novice, thinking, “this is all I need, running’s so cheap!” – is of course a good pair of shoes. But don’t also be thinking, “I’ve already got a pair, go away”, for trainers need replacing every 800km otherwise you risk damaging yourself, not only your performance. Brooks is an American mainstay of the unbeaten track or trail, and their grippy-but-racy numbers are looking cooler than ever these days – you might even find yourself keeping old pairs for hitting the pub in (Women’s Ghost 13 pictured, £120, runnersneed.com). For men this winter season, go to the Virgin Money London Marathon’s choice of apparel, New Balance. Their ‘London Edition Rebel v2’ (£130, newbalance.co.uk) in ghost-pepper colourway is packed with the US brand’s FuelCell performance foam, for lighter-than-air propulsion no matter the weather.

TAG, YOU’RE IT No question about it: hands-down leader in the no-hands smartwatch sector is La Chaux-de-Fonds’ favourite son, TAG Heuer, whose ‘Connected Modular’ has pioneered the luxury connected watch segment for more than five years. In combination with TAG Heuer’s pedigree as a sporting timekeeper, it’s meant a perfect mesh of watchmaker and London Marathon over as many years. As well as a new swimming and indoor-running tech updates, 2021’s major evo’ for the Connected has been the Wellness app, focussed squarely on marking activity, progress, biometrics… All ultimately getting you out there, week after week, come hell or high water. (£1,495, rox.co.uk).

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NOVEMBER 2021 STREET ART

NOVEMBER 2021 DAVID YARROW

OCTOBER 2021 THE CONNOR BROTHERS AUTUMN CONTEMPORARY

SEPTEMBER 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 ANDY GOTTS

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ART ATTACK We catch up with Maddox Gallery CEO John Russo to get the lowdown on how their disruptive approach is taking the art world by storm.

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uxury after lockdown is going to be about one thing, exclusive experiences.

Speaking of the impact of the pandemic on the luxe industry, Maddox Gallery CEO John Russo stressed the importance of one-of-a-kind moments for clients.

“The future of the industry has to be about the experience,” he revealed.

Whether attending an exhibition or having an artwork installed at home, the importance of experience should never be underestimated.

ROX Magazine caught up with John to talk all things art and luxury as well as the new normal we all face.

As lockdown restrictions ease across the UK, John Russo is looking forward to what the future has to offer.

Navigating a global pandemic and running some of the world’s leading international art galleries have put the future firmly in focus for the Maddox CEO and it’s looking bright.

As people tentatively take their first steps into the new normal, there’s still a passion for art and all things luxury.

Speaking of the reopening of Maddox Galleries for the first time in what seems like a lifetime, John simply said: “It feels good.”

“The city is bustling and I think it’s because non-essential retail opened back up. People I think are eager to get out and consume again and they’re being sensible – the amount of people wearing masks. “ Such is the desire to spend and indulge in the finer things in life, like Banksy works which have almost become a symbol of the times, Maddox www.rox.co.uk

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Gallery has enjoyed a phenomenal response to reopening.

He continued: “The first day we opened we were working with a brand new artist called Ross Muir, who is actually from Scotland, and he had a bunch of work with us and the work sold out in less than 24 hours.

“The nice thing is people aren’t taking it for granted and being relatively sensible by wearing masks and being respectful of people’s space.

“It’s a brave new world and I don’t think anything is going to go back to normal the way it has been but it’s also going to feel different and better and more enjoyable as we move forward now.”

While the last 12 months have been difficult, the craving for exclusive experience has never wavered for art fans.

It has been a year of self-isolation but also a year for reflection as we were starved of our typical work and social routines.

It would have been natural for John and the Maddox team to hold out little hope for the immediate future of the galleries – art, after all, should be experienced.

The reaction, however, was polar opposite.

“When the pandemic hit Maddox last March, we immediately looked at it through the lens of, first and foremost a lot of people are going to be sitting at home not knowing what to do with themselves.

“We’ve dramatically underestimated how convenient it was to go out on the weekend to the pub and all that sort of stuff and also all these people sitting at home. And what are they doing?

They’re on social media and they’re consuming.

“We realised that this isn’t a token thing that people like to do, they like to go to galleries and museums, and they like to experience things. By removing that from them there was a real void.”

Never one to shy away from a challenge John set about adding a digital touch to the luxe art market by setting up virtual reality exhibitions with icons such as David Yarrow.

Guests could enjoy the majesty of

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the gallery’s artworks in 8k resolution – a modern solution by a modern and forward thinking powerhouse.

“I remember there was a space we created for David Yarrow, another famous Scotsman and one of our best fine art photographers. We created this experience for David and you get to view his images in 8k but the entire space was fictional – it was a virtual reality construct – and we got people commenting saying ‘your gallery is gorgeous’ because it looked real.”

As the world of online makes the world of art, and indeed all luxe goods, more accessible to people from around the world there’s a sense of change in the industry.

No longer is London considered the Mecca of all things luxury, with regional buyers proving that there’s an appetite for luxury goods out with the big city.

Tapping into that desire through social media and virtual events has been vital for Maddox whilst never losing sense of the client journey.

Maddox Gallery has long been a disrupter in the art world, much like ROX in the world of jewellery and luxe watches, with a commitment to doing things a little differently.

Even during the pandemic John has been determined to keep the same client journey – from the experience of viewing collections online to having work delivered.

Making every moment matter is not only what makes Maddox distinctive but also offers confidence to continue to invest.

“We’ve had people spending extraordinary amount on phenomenal art, just like I’m sure you do with jewellery and watches, entirely online,” he said.

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“And that can only be done if there’s confidence in a safe and enjoyable experience – a branded experience online. It’s got to be complemented with an incredibly effective social media strategy, which is inviting people into an ecosphere, into an ecosystem, to a stratosphere of how we communicate and what that brand means.”

So, what does the future of luxury look like?

At Maddox it’s business as usual – albeit with a socially distanced touch.

As people begin to revisit the galleries again, thoughts turn to the possibility of intimate events and exhibitions in the future.

“The critical thing now is how we reintroduce exhibitions and events,” John added.

“Nothing beats being able to meet with an artist and actually talk to an artist, this is the person who created this work. Because the authenticity of a piece, the brilliance of a piece, is so well complemented when you speak directly to an artist and you just get to hear that passion and their voice, you know, and get to hear their strategy about why this was created, and then get the assurance that this is something that was a one off.

“It’s not a commercial device that I’m gonna print millions of this this image, but this is something rare, unique, I’ve made it and I’m willing to

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sell it and essentially give it to someone else to have in their home.

“It’s the beginning of a journey and it’s not trying to make it more romantic than it is.

“Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring and Richard Hamilton, all these artists who are phenomenally, you know, sought after artists now in their deaths, and their work is extraordinarily expensive. It began with them deciding to create something and then share it with the world.

“So our goal is to bring people into the galleries, have experiences where we’re going to recommence artists talks, we’re going to recommence artistic director talks, and just generate a welcoming feeling for people to come back and visit and experience, you know, an eclectic range.”

With six solo exhibitions linedup with some of the world’s most remarkable artists, including the Miaz Brothers and Incarcerated Jerkface, John is ready to embrace the future with open arms.

He continued: “I think the future for luxury is very, very strong, I mean, extraordinarily strong. People will always have a desire to own luxury items, whether it’s watches, cars, artwork, jewellery.

“The future of the industry has to be, has to be about the experience, and I think those experiences will be by appointment only.

“They’ll be smaller in capacity, but they’ll be much more potent.

I remember ROX doing it, and we certainly do it.

“We have a few hundred people into the gallery location for the launch of an artist and we’ve got celebrities coming in with you know, we’ve got Cara DeLevingne, we’ve got the cast of Game of Thrones coming in.

It’s phenomenal, it becomes a bit of a party, a bit of a social event.

“I think those days will be a while before they return, but what will happen in the first instance will be more sophisticated and more intimate experiences for clients.”

Listen to the John Russo ROX Talks podcast at magazine.rox.co.uk www.rox.co.uk

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MOTORING

WHEELS TO WHEEL Together at last! TAG Heuer of Carrera chronograph fame and Porsche of Carrera 911 fame finally tie the knot, in a horological car-llaboration running deeper and faster than most.

Words by Alex Doak.

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here’s good reason why the stopwatch-equipped ‘chronograph’ remains the most relentlessly popular 'evo' in watch form. Quite simply, it’s a sports cars for the wrist, pushing precisely the same buttons as that cheeky coupé, calling you from the forecourt come bonus time.

Think about it: an engine – the movement – suspended within a purpose-built chassis – the case – engineered and tuned to Top Trumpsworthy tolerances for max power and performance. Your discerning taste, secret Boy’s Own geekery, and the need, the need for speed: all revving away beneath your cuff, even when the Cayman remains in the garage and commuterville beckons.

Regardless of chronograph status, the fact even the simplest automatics have see-through casebacks is down to the same reason Ferrari's mid-mounted V8s and Lamborghini's V10s are proudly visible just behind the cockpit – pure, tyre-kicking "growl" factor.

From Roger Dubuis to Richard Mille, via Chopard and IWC, the smell of petrol permeates the otherwise fragrant valleys of watchmaking's heartland. Especially around Watch City, aka La Chaux-de-Fonds: the highest city in Europe; a gridded, Art Nouveau Who's Who of watchmaking; more importantly, home to the pitlane's horological firestarter, TAG Heuer.

More than 50 years ago, a selfadmittedly damp-behind-the-ears Jack Heuer saw that the time was ripe for capitalising on the genre's high-octane drama, not least its rakish protagonists.

Since 1933, the family firm's 'Autavia' dash clock had combined the words ‘automobile’ and ‘aviation’ as a byword for cockpit precision, rivalling even Breitling’s own line in onboard instrumentation. Come the autumn of 1961, as Jack recalls in his rollicking memoirs, The Times of My Life, ‘Autavia’ was revived as an all-new wristworn chronograph, fitted with a turning bezel for the very first time.

The driver's chronograph duly coined, something was still missing... www.rox.co.uk

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“In January 1962 I was invited by the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) to attend the 12 Hours Race at Sebring in Florida," Monsieur Heuer recalls with nostalgic brio. "I had lent the organisers of the race a dozen Heuer pocket chronographs with split-second displays for the official timing of the event.

"What impressed me most of all at Sebring was the mix of professional road racing pilots, amateur gentlemen drivers and spectators...

People like the German Jochen Rindt and the young Rodriguez brothers, Pedro and Ricardo, from Mexico for whom the Ferrari importer in New York had prepared a racing car. But there were also some important amateur gentlemen drivers including […] the actor Paul Newman from Hollywood.

“WHAT IMPRESSED ME MOST OF ALL AT SEBRING WAS THE MIX OF PROFESSIONAL ROAD RACING PILOTS, AMATEUR GENTLEMEN DRIVERS AND SPECTATORS... ” “It dawned on me there and then that this group of motor racing enthusiasts was a natural target client group for Heuer…"

With this at the back of his mind, Jack recounts a particularly affecting conversation with the parents of the Rodriguez brothers in the Ferrari pit that weekend.

"They told me that they were lucky that their boys were so young – Pedro was then 21 and Ricardo 19. Because if they had been born a few years earlier they would certainly have participated in the dangerous [road] race across Mexico known as the ‘Carrera Panamericana’.

At the time it was considered to be the most dangerous sports car race in the world and over a period of five years had claimed over 30 victims…

“It was [then] that I’d first heard the Spanish word ‘carrera’. I loved not only its sexy sound but also its multiple meanings, which include road, race, course and career. All very much Heuer territory! So as soon as I got back to Switzerland I rushed to register the name under “Heuer Carrera’.”

Just one year later, a legend was born. A chronograph of course, the new Carrera’s nononsense legibility earned instant endorsement

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from motorsport royalty, aided in large part by a design far suaver than the Autavia, which that could sashay effortlessly from cockpit to casino.

Wearers included every Ferrari F1 driver of the Seventies, thanks to Heuer’s groundbreaking sponsorship of the Prancing Horse. Jo Siffert even forged his own side-hustle off the back of ambassador status, leading to superfan Steve McQueen opting for a blue-dialled Heuer Monaco as Michael Delaney in 1971's Le Mans (another legend born, needless to say).

'Carrera', though, wasn't a label limited to just car races and car watches...

Having won the Panamericana in 1954, a certain carmaker from Stuttgart dubbed its iconic '911' coupé of 1964 'Carrera' in tribute – a nomenclature that, bar the semi-convertible Targa model (itself named after a Sicilian road race) continues proudly today. Considering this namesake connection, let alone the fact McQueen drove a 917 in Le Mans, it's a wonder it's taken until now for TAG Heuer and Porsche to become official bedfellows.

They've come close in the past, fuelling pedigree to 2021's partnership. Heuer was sold in the mid-Eighties to Middle Eastern-owned Techniques d'Avant Gardes (the current brand's 'TAG' prefix), which with Porsche developed the turbo engine that helped McLaren win three consecutive F1 world titles from 1984–86. In 1999, the relationship grew even stronger – from the Porsche Carrera Cup and Supercup competitions, followed by the Endurance World Championship. As a founding partner of the Formula E championship in 2014, TAG Heuer helped raise the profile of thrilling single-seat electric race cars, Porsches among them.

Now in 2021, their confessed 'beautiful friendship' has become a holistic official brand partnership, celebrated by the special-edition timepiece you see here – a Carrera Chronograph, naturally. Upholstered, contrast-stitch leather strap, asphalt-textured dial, racy tachymetre bezel in gleaming black ceramic, all at the wheel of the co-branded 99X Electric car, vying for Formula E dominance this year, as well as the 911 RSRs racing in the LM GTE Pro class, tipped for podiums aplenty in the FIA World Endurace Championshuip.

As TAG Heuer's infectiously youthful CEO, Frédéric Arnault proclaimed proudly at February's launch: “It was worth the wait!”

TAG Heuer watches are available online and at ROX Newcastle

www.rox.co.uk

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Adventure, electrified.

Be recharged by the new Taycan Cross Turismo.

The Taycan Cross Turismo embraces your style with its bold capability and Off-road Design Package. Although our test drives may be conducted in a slightly different manner to comply with current social distancing measures, please contact Porsche Centre Edinburgh to book yours today.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo models official WLTP combined energy consumption 26.4-22.4 kWh/100km, WLTP combined CO₂ emissions 0g/km.

Porsche Centre Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird 4 Oversman Road Edinburgh, EH15 3BZ 0131 657 8220 info@porscheedinburgh.co.uk www.porscheedinburgh.co.uk

FEATURE

ROX MAGAZINE

THE RACE TO SAVE

THE WORLD

Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and other motorsport heroes are championing a new electric racing series, Extreme E, conceived to raise awareness of climate change. Words by Chris Chilton.

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he electric car revolution is in full swing; that much you probably know. Less widely known is that it’s not only road cars, but also racing cars that are switching to zero emissions power.

Formula E, a single-seater series for cars that look a little like F1 cars, but which are substantially quieter (and substantially slower), has been around since 2014, and now it’s joined on the 170

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motorsport calendar by Extreme E. While Formula E is a traditional circuit-based series, Extreme E, the second brainchild of Spanish entrepreneur, Alejandro Agag, involves a slew of electric SUVs racing across deserts, rainforests and glaciers to raise awareness of climate change.

That might sound like the automotive equivalent of posh Victorians touring sanatoriums for fun, but the organisers behind the

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series have put real thought into the environmental impact of every aspect of both the racing itself, and the work going on behind the scenes.

Ecological experts were consulted to make sure the presence of the races in each of the five territories causes as little environmental damage as possible, and instead of flying hundreds of people, cars and infrastructure around the world every weekend, as happens in F1, most of what goes into an Extreme E race is transported by a former Royal Mail cargo ship.

RMS St Helena has been specially adapted to serve as a floating paddock

ZENITH'S FIT WITH THE RACE SERIES GOES MILES FURTHER THAN ITS DEFY EXTREME'S CONVENIENT NOMENCLATURE for the teams and has 62 cabins that can sleep up to 175 people. In keeping with the eco philosophy of the series, its engines were rebuilt to run on lowsulphur marine diesel, the propellers were reconditioned to improve efficiency, and the original 20sq m swimming pool has been replaced with a science laboratory.

Other climate-friendly ideas include tree-planting operations, and solar power initiatives at the race locations. In Senegal, for instance, Extreme E has teamed up with local NGO Oceanium to plant one million mangrove trees in five areas equivalent to the size of 112 football pitches.

Like the Formula E single-seaters, and unlike F1 cars, all of the Extreme E Odyssey 21 SUVs are mechanically www.rox.co.uk

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identical to keep the playing field level, meaning winning is down to luck and driver skill, not who has the biggest R&D budget.

Each is built around the same sturdy spaceframe metal chassis, and most are fitted with the default natural flax fibre bodyshell, though Chip Ganassi Racing’s car is restyled to look like partner GM’s new Hummer EV for marketing purposes.

Power is supplied to two 250 kW motors (one at each axle) by batteries from Williams Performance Engineering, the sister company of the Williams F1 team. A peak of 550bhp allows the SUVs to hit 62mph in 4.5 secs, and a grippy control tire specially developed by Continental helps it climb 130 per cent gradients.

Each time features a mixed-sex pair of drivers that includes some big names, including WRC rally legends Sebastian Loeb and Carlos Sainz, F1 champion, Jenson Button, and rising British star, Jamie Chadwick.

And it’s those names, plus the involvement of non-driving team owners Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Michael Andretti, that gives the series real credibility, and will help it achieve its objective of raising awareness of climate change around the world.

Naturally, the first season has thrown up some teething troubles. At the first event, a desert race, there were some breakdowns, and the huge amount of dust kicked up meant the organisers had to switch from knockout races to rally-style time trials.

And the series has been drawn flak for visiting both Saudi Arabia and Senegal, two countries that aren’t exactly at the forefront of the women’s rights movement, though you could argue that a high-profile gender-equal spectacle is just what they need.

But what’s clear is that Extreme E is definitely not the underwhelming flop some had feared. With two races done and three still to go at the time of writing (an Arctic Prix in Greenland in late August, Island Prix at Sardinia in October, and one further TBC event), former F1 champ Nico Rosberg’s RXR team tops the leaderboard.

Want to catch up with the action live? You can watch the races on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Zenith watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow

EXTREME E: THE ZENITH CONNECTION Swiss watchmaker and official Extreme E timing partner Zenith’s fit with race series goes beyond the convenient name of the Defy Extreme chronograph, which reboots the Extreme tag used by Zenith in the 1970s and 1980s.

Just as the Extreme E SUVs are designed to handle everything from scorching desert to frozen arctic environments, so is the Defy Extreme, a watch that fuses Zenith’s incredible El Primero chronograph movement and its 1/100th second timing capability, with a tough new retro-futuristic microblasted titanium case and interchangeable strap system. Defy Extreme Prices start at £15,300.

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SHARK-FIN SOUP-UP

The latest Huracán is ‘evo’ to the extreme, and the same goes for its suitably sinister horological co-pilot.

Words by Chris Chilton.

T

he late Ferruccio Lamborghini had no interest in taking his 1960s supercars racing, but times and regimes change, and in recent years Lamborghini’s Huracán GT3 Evo racers have won the Daytona 24 Hours three times.

Capitalising on the engineering lessons learned along the way, Lamborghini’s new Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologato) road car loses 43kg of kerb weight thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre for the body panels, switches from four-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, just like the real racers, and gains some aggressive new devices, including a roof-mounted Le Mansstyle shark fin.

The £260,012 STO commands a significant £96k premium over a standard Huracaán Evo, but a car with such a clear focus on performance

deserves to be steered by a wrist equipped with a suitable watch, so we’d consider digging deeper – just the £52,000 deeper – to pair it with the Roger Dubuis Excaliber Spider Huracán STO Carbon.

Finished in the car’s Blue Laufey and California Orange colours, it features a rotor that mimic’s a supercar’s wheel, and a strutbar balance bridge designed just like the one above the real STO’s charismatic V10. Rival turbocharged engines make more power than the 631bhp naturally aspirated Lamborghini, but none makes a better noise. By the same token, a Roger Dubuis may tick quietly, but in STO guise it bellows volumes from under your cuff.

Roger Dubuis watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow www.rox.co.uk

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LAMBORGHINI EDINBURGH Authorised Dealer

Andy Canning Lamborghini Sales Manager andycanning@lamborghiniedinburgh.co.uk www.edinburgh.lamborghini/en

8 Whitehill Road Fort Kinnaird Edinburgh EH15 3HR 0131 475 5500

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Beautifully crafted suites are the start of your five-star experience within this 17th century Baronial estate, and six indulgent restaurants and cocktail bars offer the finest dining in Scotland. Here you can immerse yourself in wellness at the award-winning spa, swimming pools and lochside gym. A flight in the seaplane reveals an 18-hole championship golf course and there’s a wealth of resort activities for everyone.

COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF C A M E R O N H O U S E .C O.U K O N LY 2 5 M I N U T E S F R O M G L A S G O W A I R P O R T R E S E R VA T I O N S @ C A M E R O N H O U S E . C O . U K | 0 1 3 8 9 3 1 0 7 7 7

ROX MAGAZINE

WATCH JOURNAL

HYPER

HOROLOGY If you’re already spending £2.7 million on a new Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, why not throw in a Jacob & Co. Chiron Tourbillon or two?

Words by Alex Doak.

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t’s nigh-on impossible for any other carmaker to achieve what Bugatti has with its interplanetary Chiron, let alone a Swiss watchmaker. But perhaps it takes the Stateside chutzpah of Jacob Arabo, Manhattan’s self-made King of Diamonds, to go wheel-to-wheel and match the W16-propelled Germanic might of its automotive partner in horological form.

All 578 components of this year’s time machine (‘wristwatch’ seems pusillanimous, somehow) manage to marry 273mph powertrain and movement in one astonishing creation – testament to the genius of Arabo’s man in Neuchâtel, Luca Soprana, also responsible for realising Jacob & Co.’s orrery for the wrist, ’Astronomia’.

The Chiron Tourbillon’s sweeping sapphire bonnet showcases a central engine block, animated on demand to show how Bugatti’s eightlitres-worth of cylinders compress in concert. Push the right-hand crown and the ‘crankshaft’ in the watch – one of the smallest and most complicated watch parts ever manufactured, made out of solid

steel – turns and the ‘pistons’ pump up and down, mounted as a ‘W’ at varying angles to add to the complexity. A pair of ‘turbochargers’ on the side of the engine block spin while the powertrain runs, adding to the overall spectacle.

As if that’s not enough, the whole movement ‘floats’ on four Chiron-style shock absorbers, which close admirers can see moving slightly up and down. This suspension detail created an additional challenge for the watch designers, who had to create and patent a unique automotiveinspired transverse system to ensure the posts connecting all three fixed crowns (time setting, winding, animation respectively) aren’t damaged as the engine they operate moves in relation.

Depending on which model you go for (the choice is literally dazzling, from gold to diamonds, to pure sapphire) it’s a good deal costlier than a new Ferrari. But with a Bugatti Chiron on the driveway, what else could you bear to wear?

Jacob & Co watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow www.rox.co.uk

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BUGAT T I CHIRON W 1 6 TO U R BI LLON Gentlemen, Start Your Engines. The Bugatti Chiron W16 Tourbillon from Jacob & Co. recreates the famous Bugatti W16 engine in a timepiece. Visible from the top and through the Bugatti horseshoe grill, the world’s

first “engine block” animation starts at the push of the right hand crown, the crankshaft turning and the pistons pumping. A seamless marriage of the worlds of hyper sports cars and high watchmaking, the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron W16 Tourbillon is available in titanium, 18K rose gold, gemset and bespoke versions.

jacobandco.com

FEATURE

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HUBLOT LOVES (FANTASY) FOOTBALL After a year’s postponement, the UEFA EURO 2020 Championships was finally held in 11 cities in 11 different countries, pulled off with much panache and cheer. But beyond the wrists of the refs, adorned with Hublot’s UEFA-approved, smart-connected ‘Big Bang e Watch’ what sort of starting XI might the watchmaker of Nyon have had in mind, out of its 2021 squad?

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BIG BANG E PREMIER LEAGUE

All the way at the back, the goalkeeper spends most of the game scrutinising what’s potentially coming back towards him - so he could do with a lot worse than the latest evolution of Hublot’s connected watch, developed in concert with stablemate TAG Heuer, to keep tabs on cards, subs and VAR decisions.

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BIG BANG UNICO SORAI

Just to mix our metaphorical sporting events, here’s a bulletproof ceramic watch inspired by right-hand batsman Kevin Pietersen and his laudable work with ‘SORAI’ – Save Our Rhino Africa India. A horn-first defender, whose strip has been inspired by the natural colours of the South African bush in summer.

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BIG BANG SANG BLEU II

Designed with trademark geometrical mesmerism by tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Buchi, this bears all the sensitivity, brutality and skill of Tony Adams in his Arsenal prime.

In other words, a blue-blooded centre back rendered in ceramic, with unusually sculptured form.

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BIG BANG INTEGRAL TOURBILLON FULL SAPPHIRE

Like a curled-in long pass to a forward on the break, every gear train and bridge of this technical triumph is penetrated to dazzling effect by light from all directions – diffused, refracted, reflected, twisted and twirled by Hublot’s virtuoso craftsmen of sapphire crystal.

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BIG BANG UNICO YELLOW MAGIC

Even for self-confessed master of the ‘art of fusion’, attaining yellow pigmentation in ceramic form was a major achievement for Hublot – a toughened-up defender that’s surprisingly useful when it finds some space. Four years were required to find the perfect balance of temperature and pressure without burning the pigments

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CLASSIC FUSION CONCRETE JUNGLE NEW YORK

Solid mainstays of the midfield keep the team rooted, just as Hublot’s Concrete Jungle comes fortified with durable concrete material, staying true to the brand’s Art of Fusion principle. The concrete material is composed of 70% fine cement, 30% epoxy resin and fiberglass, topped by an anti-graffiti treatment inspired by the grittier side of the Big Apple.

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CLASSIC FUSION TAKASHI MURAKAMI ALL BLACK

Sometimes a midfielder can take everyone by surprise, and sure enough, riffing on Japanese contemporary artist Murakami’s signature motif, this mercurial limited edition showcases a smiling flower, whose petals demand a double take as they start turning on an ingenious ball-bearing system.

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BIG BANG DJ SNAKE

Like Chelsea and England’s Mason Mount, a good attacking midfielder makes all the difference to a team, sneakily thrusting between the forwards – so, step forward Hublot’s latest Big Bang, designed in collab’ with France’s slickest star of EDM, DJ Snake

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BIG BANG UNICO SUMMER

If it isn’t flash, then forwards are more often ‘dash’, like Hublot’s breezy ode to the Côte d’Azur. It features a unique turquoise blue, anodised to the lightweight aluminium case, that shimmers as its satin and polished facets catch the sunlight. Bellissimo!

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BIG BANG INTEGRAL TOURBILLON RAINBOW

Every side, even international ones, fields at least one showboater, so it may as well be this ‘striking’ number – where the number is close to 36 (carats), or 484 (invisibly set baguette-cut rubies, fuchsia pink sapphires, ultraviolet amethysts, topaz in Klein blue, leaf green tsavorites, lemon yellow sapphires and bright orange sapphires).

BIG BANG UNICO BERLUTI COLD BROWN

Keeping things on the move, unflagging to the last, Hublot’s right wing could very well be held by the latest in its hook-up with Paris’s shoemaker nonpareil, Berluti. The fine Venezia leather used for the bezel and dial has been preserved indefinitely, with no danger of degradation.

Hublot watches are available online, at ROX Glasgow, ROX Edinburgh and ROX Liverpool www.rox.co.uk

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Experience the new Levante Hybrid Experience the new Levante Performance ChargedHybrid Performance Charged INSPIRING, ELECTRIFYING, WITH THE UNMISTAKABLE MASERATI ROAR INSPIRING, ELECTRIFYING, WITH THE UNMISTAKABLE MASERATI ROAR Park’s Maserati 143 / 159 Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0ET Park’s 01698Maserati 303828 143 / 159 Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0ET www.parks.uk.com/maserati 01698 303828 www.parks.uk.com/maserati

PARK'S MASERATI PARK'S MASERATI

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Maserati Levante Hybrid range in mpg (l/100km) combined: 26.4 (10.7) to 28.8 (9.8).

CO2 emissions: 243 - 223 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars Fuel CO2 procedures. results forThese the Maserati in mpgwhich (l/100km) combined: 26.4 of (10.7) to including 28.8 (9.8). testedeconomy to the sameand technical figures mayLevante not reflectHybrid real life range driving results, will depend upon a number factors the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars CO2 emissions: 243 - 223 g/km.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

ROX MAGAZINE

GIFTS FOR HIM

GIFTS FOR HIM You may not need convincing to spend that cash on a flash must have, but just in case, here’s a selection of treats to tempt you.

ETTINGER Sterling Billfold Wallet 74259 | £190

Balenciaga Crest-embroidered Cap

ROX Adore Diamond Ring 76799 | £3,095

BOMBERG BB-68 watch 75340 | £750

TUDOR 1926 Watch 72308 | £1,460

ETTINGER Double Watch Roll 74275 | £275

WOLF Axis Watch Winder 73224 | £469

Bottega Veneta Nappa-leather Trainers

Gucci Ghost Bracelet 66885 | £265

Tom Ford Square Horn-effect Sunglasses

TAG Heuer Connected Watch 77058 | £1,495

The Row Mack Cashmere Sweater

ROX Wedding Band 74877 | £595

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Belt

Baume & Mercier Classima Watch 75241 | £940

Gucci Dive Watch 76937 | £1,050

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Exclusively at Dior.com, House of Fraser Glasgow and Harvey Nichols Leeds

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GIFTS FOR HER

GIFTS FOR HER From glistening diamonds to the latest fashion trends and accessories, we promise this will be your go-to gift guide this season.

Gucci Link To Love Bracelet 76932 | £785

Bottega Veneta Leather Cosmetics Case

ROX Adore Diamond Earrings 74026 | £995

ROX Diamond Necklace 0.15cts 77553 | £695

ROX Diamond Earrings 0.30cts 77782 | £795

ROX Diamond Necklace 0.17cts 77022 | £795

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops

Chopard Ice Cube Ring 73015 | £2,790

ROX Talisman Moonstone Ring 76525 | £120

Gucci Eileen Shearling Slippers

ROX Luxe Scented Candle 75938 | £35

ROX Diamond Necklace 0.20ct 77784 | £995

Bulgari Bulgari Lady Watch 76459 | £3,560

ROX Love Diamond Earrings 74396 | £1,495

ROX Diamond Initial Bracelet 77064 | £395

Le Labo Eau de Parfum - Santal 33,

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GUEST LIST It’s good to be back. After nearly a two year wait we returned to our Edinburgh boutique on George Street, Edinburgh to host our renowned ROX Fringe Party.

And what a night it was.

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KEEP UP WITH THE DIAMONDS & THRILLS Follow us on social media for the latest product drops and jewellery trends.

@ROXJEWELLERY @ROXWATCHES

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Enjoy our magazine online and stay up to date with all of our new season launches, jewellery trends and lifestyle inspo at rox.co.uk/magazine

Shop online at www.rox.co.uk with free next day delivery. Alternatively vist our boutiques in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool or Leeds.

The materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any format without permission. Please email requests for permission to pr@rox.co.uk. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be accepted. Editorial material and opinions expressed in the ROX Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of ROX (UK) Ltd. ROX (UK) Ltd do not accept the responsibility for the advertising content.

Jewellery shown may not be actual size and/or set to scale. Carat weights shown are approximate and may vary in-store. When buying online,

please check our website for full terms and conditions. The contents of this magazine were correct at the time of going to print (October 2021).

ROX and the brand owners featured reserve the right to change prices and specifications without notice.

For more information about ROX, or to request a brochure, please call our Customer Services team on Freephone 0808 164 6448. © Copyright ROX (UK) LTD 2020

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