David M Robinson Magazine 2015 by Runwild Media Group

Moments in time Stop the clock with timeless jewellery and watches designed to stand the test of time

Issue 4

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 16

Ayrton Senna is celebrated as the most influential driver in the history of Formula One. He was never intimidated by the expectations of others, because his were even higher. He forever embodies the TAG Heuer motto – Don’t Crack Under Pressure.

Welcome luxury. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting personal. john robinson, managing director of david m robinson, welcomes you all to the fourth edition of dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;amour

uxury. It’s personal – pass it on! Welcome to the fourth edition of D’AMOUR. It’s our most exciting issue to date. Inside you’ll discover the latest timepieces to emerge from Switzerland’s finest watch houses. There is also an insight into the exciting jewellery collections born from our design studio and workshops. In terms of trends, luxury is becoming more personal, as evidenced by the increasing appetite of our clients for commissioning bespoke pieces – keeping our goldsmiths in high demand! It’s also becoming more personal in terms of longevity. Since the financial crisis, luxury has prospered as we have become more attached to the things we value most. Much of its appeal stems from our ability to enjoy wearing a piece of diamond jewellery (or a Patek Philippe watch, for example) every day of our lives, before we ultimately pass it on to the next generation. The story of Patek Philippe is a case in point. Having celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2014, the company marked this special birthday not only by creating exclusive pieces, but also by staging a Watch Art Grand Exhibition of its history at the Saatchi Gallery in London over the summer of 2015. Free to attend, the exhibition welcomed some 45,000 visitors. Clearly the discerning general public has an interest in both the compelling Patek Philippe story and the watches themselves. The Patek

Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition also illustrated the importance of provenance. Luxury customers today want to know precisely where their products come from and furthermore, that luxury companies continue to give back to their communities. At DMR we are happy to promote these aspects. We offer our customers the chance to witness our goldsmiths at work, we continue to support the arts in the North West via our sponsorship of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and we maintain our support for the superb work of the OnSide charity in creating Youth Zones in the UK to give young people safe and affordable places to go in their leisure time. After all, the charity sector in this country explicitly needs the help of as many private sector companies as possible. Lastly, it goes without saying that our business would be nothing without our customers and their special celebrations; engagements, weddings and birthdays (not forgetting Christmas!). Nor would we be anything without our amazing teams throughout the showrooms; our passion for jewellery and watches is endless. I hope you enjoy reading D’AMOUR.

John robinson managing director david m robinson

Contents jewellery

46 watches

12 In the Fold

58 Off the Clock

Fall under the spell of delicately-set gems, diamond-encrusted rings, sparkling pendants and intricate golden cuffs 18 It Was All Yellow Innovation and creativity go hand in hand in DMR’s dazzling Yellow Box collections 22 See a Rainbow More and more women are turning to gloriously-coloured gemstones 28 Especially for You What better way to delight a loved one than with a custom-made piece that is as unique as you both are?

Peruse spectacular new ladies’ watches debuted by Patek Philippe at Baselword 60 Roll With It The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master symbolises Rolex’s bond with sailing 62 The Final Frontier Find out why Omega’s Speedmaster is widely known as the ‘Moonwatch’ 65 What’s Ticking? There’s never been a better time for proper watchmaking than right now 66 Action Man Stay ahead of the curve; new watches designed with the modern man in mind

bridal

34 Together Forever Wedding day jewellery inspiration, from exquisite bracelets to statement necklaces 46 It Started With a Ring Behind the scenes at a wedding in Italy 48 Diamonds Are Forever Popping that all-important question requires an equally important accessory 52 One in a Million The most decadent, delicate and jawdropping diamond bridal jewellery trends

RWMG Bespoke One Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5AX United Kingdom t: +44 (0) 20 7987 4320 e: info@rwmgbespoke.co.uk www.rwmg.co.uk

at david m robinson, “Provenance is key and manufacturing quality that is second to none is expected, not the exception”, says john robinson, managing director

Past & Present 88 Then & Now

Find out how David M Robinson, from humble origins in Liverpool in the late ‘60s, became the luxury brand it is today 98 Ride on Time Britain’s most successful Tour de France rider, World Champion cyclist and loyal DMR customer Mark Cavendish talks about pedalling his way to success

Runwild Media Group Group Managing Director: Eren Ellwood Publishing Director: Giles Ellwood RWMG Bespoke Creative Director: Laura Marshall Art Editor: Chantal Lascelles Editorial Director: Annabel Harrison Managing Director: Alan Cooke

RWMG Bespoke is part of Runwild Media Group © COPYRIGHT 2015 DAVID M ROBINSON LIMITED. All material strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission of RWMG Bespoke and/or David M Robinson is strictly forbidden. All content believed to be correct at time of going to press. All prices are correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. David M Robinson does not officially endorse any advertising material or editorials for third-party products included within this publication. DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT David M Robinson respects the privacy of every individual who receives D’AMOUR magazine. Any information collected about you will be used to fulfil the delivery of the magazine, for readership profiling purposes and for further marketing of David M Robinson products and events. We do this by making appropriate use of the information. This information will not be disclosed to anyone outside of David M Robinson, its affiliated or associated companies, its agencies, dealers, partners or licensees. It will be treated in accordance with the relevant legal provisions concerning data protection and may initially be stored and processed inside or outside the European Union anywhere in the world. You have the right as an individual to find out what information we hold about you and make corrections if necessary; you also have the right to ask us to not use the information. We will make all practical efforts to respect your wishes.

jewellery

a Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work in progress... fill your jewellery box with memories: rare precious stones and bespoke gems youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll treasure for a lifetime

In the

fold

pay attention to detail: fALL UNDER THE SPELL OF DELICATELY-SET GEMSTONES, be beDAZZLEd by ICY diamond-ENCRUSTED RINGS AND SPARKLING PENDANTS or MAKE A STATEMENT WITH INTRICATE GOLDEN CUFFS photography Andrew Penketh Stylist Yvonne Achato

jewellery

(opposite, left to right) whirlwind® ring Diamonds and 18ct white gold, £5,250 rosemoon necklace Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £14,500, whirlwind® necklace Diamonds and 18ct white gold, £4,950 morganite earrings Morganite, diamond and 18ct rose gold, £4,250 rosemoon ring Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £5,950

(this page, clockwise from top left) Marquise ring Morganite, diamond and 18ct rose gold, £4,450 Oval ring Aquamarine, diamond and 18ct white gold, £4,250 Oval pendant Aquamarine, diamond and 18ct white gold, £3,950 infinity ring Diamond and 18ct rose gold, £4,750 rosemoon bracelet Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £5,950 rosemoon earrings Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £2,650 cushion shape ring Morganite, diamond and 18ct rose gold, £3,250

jewellery

(opposite, left to right)

three row ring Diamond and 18ct white gold, £6,750 two row ring Diamond and 18ct white gold, £1,170 Drop pendant and chain Diamond and 18ct white gold, £1,750 Moonstone earrings Diamond, pink tourmaline and 18ct white gold, £3,750 (this page, left to right)

lunar ring Diamond and platinum, £5,250 Drop pendant and chain Diamond and 18ct white gold, £2,950 diamond set ring Diamond and 18ct white gold, £4,750 knot bangle Diamond and 18ct white gold, £3,950 circular pendant and chain Diamond and 18ct white gold, £3,250

(left to right)

Lattice earrings Diamond and 18ct rose gold, £8,950 Lattice full finger ring Diamond and 18ct rose gold, £4,750 Lattice cuff Diamond and 18ct rose gold, £12,500

jewellery

It was all yellow Innovation and creativity go hand in hand within David M Robinson’s iconic Yellow Box collection – what are the secrets behind the brand’s most dazzling and popular designs? Words by Laura McCreddie

Making Waves® pendant 18ct yellow and 18ct white gold with diamonds, £2,250

jewellery

diamond pendant and earrings Pavé set diamond and 18ct white gold pendant £2,950, earrings £3,750

“everything from art galleries and poetry to travel and being on the water or walking through forests” inspires the yellow box collections, says john robinson. “we pay close attention to trends and styles that influence the luxury sector too”

n Europe, the colour yellow is commonly associated with optimism, joy and happiness, but at David M Robinson, it is also the colour of romance. From colourful cocktail rings to delicate diamond bracelets via eye-catching earrings and creatively-crafted rings, the Yellow Box collections have showcased DMR’s exceptional in-house designs for years, winning many Yellow Box fans along the way. DMR has a brilliant ethos behind the collection too: “Does there always have to be a reason to buy a stunning piece of jewellery and feel absolutely amazing every time you wear it? We think not!” The Yellow Box collection is there “for any occasion you care to name but it’s equally perfect for the little things you wish to whisper like ‘You’re beautiful’, ‘Thank you’ or ‘I care’”, which nods to the endearing sentimentality of the DMR brand. It’s no surprise that yellow is also said to be the colour of new ideas and creativity; the Yellow Box family of collections comprises no fewer than eight, meaning that, no matter what your taste in jewellery, there’s bound to be at least one (and we’d wager more) that you’ll fall for. The Moonstone collection takes the beautiful, translucently milky crystal

as its central inspiration, while Colore provides a complete contrast, showcasing the brilliantly bold and beautiful colours of peridot, citrine, amethyst, topaz and even smoky quartz in innovative settings. The Inca collection will suit those with a preference for more monochrome jewellery – black onyx is given a modern twist within white gold and diamond pieces – and so will Lunar, which features exquisite, diamond-focused pieces. Managing director John Robinson explains that inspiration comes from everything “from art galleries and poetry to travel and being on the water or walking through forests. We pay close attention to trends and styles that influence the luxury sector but a lot of what we do comes from our customers. Their enthusiasm for our jewellery and suggestions help to guide our focus when working on line extensions.” Two of the Yellow Box collections that have been the subject of this focus are its most recognisable, and most popular: Cloud Nine and Hopscotch. Despite sharing little from an aesthetic point of view, they aren’t dissimilar in what they convey, from design excellence to downright desirability. As its name suggests, the Cloud Nine collection is for the girl who is “high on life” and >

Meander ring Diamond and 18ct rose gold, £4,750 Hopscotch rings, Diamond and 18ct yellow gold or 18ct rose gold, £14,250 each

Infinity rings Prices from £950

“the ‘sketch to store’ process can take three to six months, but we’re looking to shorten that... It not only keeps things fresh and exciting, but also reflects the fact that we are a creative and innovative business” - John Robinson CLOUD NINE PENDANT Diamond and 18ct yellow gold, £950

Circular Earrings Pavé set diamonds and 18ct yellow gold, £3,350

encapsulates a state of perfect happiness. Featuring earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings, in a slim, elegant style, the trademark is scatter-set diamonds in precious metal. This seemingly haphazard way of stone setting is brought to the fore in the memorably-named Hopscotch collection too – which is for “those who enjoy the playful side of life”. Its rings, pendants and earrings feature stones that look as though they have been thrown, like dice, into the gold and left to set. Playful disarray masks the superior skill required to create such pieces though, and the brand’s dedication to employing the best in the industry is no doubt due to David Robinson’s own creative talents; he has won awards for his designs from the very outset of his career in the 1960s and this legacy continues in his company’s workshops. “It is very important for us to recognise and nurture talent,” confirms John. “We recently advertised for a designer and were inundated with responses.” Both talent and teamwork are crucial in every area of the company and not least in the Yellow Box collections’ development. “Because we’re a very intuitive business, there is a constant flow of ideas,” John

explains. “Some that we love won’t make it past the drawing board and others we never thought would make it off the page will become part of the collection.” Exciting plans for the future include the introduction of pieces on a more seasonal basis, which will in turn allow David M Robinson to respond more quickly to trends. “At the moment, the ‘sketch to store’ process can take three to six months, but we’re looking to shorten that to just two months,” says John. “It not only keeps things fresh and exciting, but also reflects the fact that we are a creative and innovative business.” Signs of the times to come are evident in pieces like the Cuff Love bracelet. Its design, inspired by handcuffs, features exquisite micro pavé and John describes it as “one of the hardest pieces to make, despite looking so simple”. The Lattice collection shows a move into punk luxe styles, with armour rings and a statement cuff featuring a pavé spider’s web rendered in rose gold and diamonds. It’s this dedication to quality and ability to innovate and experiment that has given rise to DMR’s enduring legacy and a name that inspires trust in all that it does. ●

London • Manchester • Liverpool • Altrincham Chester • Southport www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

See a Diamonds may still be the default stone of choice (and with good reason), but David m Robinson has seen more and more women turning to gloriously-coloured gemstones Words by Laura McCreddie

f diamonds are a girl’s best friend, they’re the most dependable friend, the one who never lets you down, is an asset to every social situation and always knows exactly what to say. Coloured stones, on the other hand, are rather more unpredictable, and brilliantly so; a veritable kaleidoscope of gems can be called upon to liven up any outfit and instantly lift one’s mood. David M Robinson isn’t shy about commandeering customers’ attention through its vibrant window displays, whether thanks to a golden citrine or a wine-dark amethyst. Managing director John Robinson explains that, as “we’ve been working with stones such as topaz, iolite and morganite for many years, they feature heavily in our collections. The presence of these stones, in our windows and workshops, inspires confidence in both our goldsmiths and our customers, encouraging them to experiment with a gem that’s a little bit different.” There has been a resurgence in the popularity of coloured gemstones in recent years, with celebrities and royals fuelling the demand. A-listers such as Angelina Jolie

jewellery

(Opposite, top) Morganite earrings Diamonds and 18ct rose gold, £4,250 (Opposite, below) RoseMoon Necklace Moonstone, diamonds and 18ct rose gold, 14,500 (This page, from top) Meander ring Sapphires and 18ct white gold, £3,950 Meander earrings Amethyst and 18ct yellow gold, £1,350

are often seen on red carpets accessorising their outfits with coloured creations and the continued effect that the Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring has had on the public cannot be underestimated. Historically, coloured stones have always been a staple of fine jewellery and the British Crown Jewels provide ample evidence of this; the St Edward’s Crown is made of gold and decorated with precious and semi-precious sapphires, tourmalines, amethysts, topazes and citrines. Despite this trend, the diamond has dominated in the last few decades, a fact that can arguably be traced back to 1947; De Beers coined the phrase “a diamond is forever” and made them synonymous with proposals. With the likes of Pinterest and social media, access to beautiful jewellery has never been easier. “Customers are more knowledgeable than ever before,” agrees John. “They are very happy to wear a pair of diamond solitaire earrings. However, there are times when they want to be seen in something a little more eye-catching, such as a blue topaz. And why not?”. ●

jewellery

Viva Vivianna named after a former Georg Jensen master jeweller, the Vivianna collection revitalises a series of classic designs that celebrate Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe’s unconventional attitude and design flair

w Having designed one of her first collections aged just 21, the silversmith headed to Paris where she impressed the likes of Picasso and Matisse

idely regarded as the first female silversmith to gain international fame, Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe was born in 1927 in Malmö and grew up on a remote Swedish island. Surrounded by a creative family, she graduated from the Academy of Industrial Arts in Stockholm in 1945 and, having designed one of her first collections at the age of just 21, the silversmith headed to Paris, settling there in 1956 and impressing the likes of Picasso, Braque and Matisse. Here she made a name for herself thanks to her outspoken beliefs on liberation, equality and multiculturalism, which were deemed highly radical at

the time. Designing for Georg Jensen exclusively from 1969 until she passed away in 2004, Vivianna’s legacy now lives on in an exquisite new collection. Best known for the mirror-faced, open-ended bangle wristwatch she designed in 1962 – a design series that remains almost unaltered to this day – 2015’s Vivianna Collection by Georg Jensen (prices from £150) includes the Dew Drop line, which comprises a selection of minimal 18ct gold and sterling silver earrings, neck rings, bangles and pendants. The pieces’ understated semi-precious stone droplets were inspired by Vivianna’s original creations, designed to complement delicate female forms. ●

THE VIVIANNA TORUN COLLECTION

W W W. DAV I D M R O B I N S O N .C O.U K

jewellery

Write from the HEART you could say it with flowers, champagne or chocolates but she can wear an exquisite piece of jewellery every day, so immortalise your love letters within a contemporary necklace Words by Gemma Knight

his pendant, charmingly named My Love Letter, is the perfect romantic gift and a gloriously elegant accessory (prices from £1,850). An abstract take on the traditional envelope emblem, the pendant is crafted from white gold and rose gold, and features a delicate line of shimmering diamonds. Our favourite characteristic is its versatility, as ideal for dressing up casual skinny jeans and flats as lending a subtle touch of sparkle to an evening ensemble. Gentlemen, let it remind you of W.H.Auden’s words and inspire you to write a love letter to the lucky owner of this pendant: “And none will hear the postman’s knock / Without a quickening of the heart.” ●

Especially for you

jewellery occupies a sentimental place in all our hearts; what better way to delight, honour, celebrate or remember a loved one than with a custom-made piece that is as unique as you are? Words by Rachael Taylor

Demand for custom-made, unique jewellery is definitely on the rise at David M Robinson, says chairman and owner David Robinson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have six goldsmiths in the company and two CAD [computer-aided design] designersâ&#x20AC;?

jewellery

he allure of the elusive is powerfully intoxicating and at times, we often desire what we cannot have. But what if we could? What if we could have anything we wanted, and the only limitation was our imagination? Welcome to the world of bespoke jewellery commissions. Commissioning a custom-made piece of jewellery is no passing trend. In the days when making products for the mass market was but a twinkle in an ambitious merchant’s eye, the majority of jewellery was made to order for individual customers. This business model is making a comeback as customers start to scrutinise more closely from where the products they buy originate. As such, the industry has seen an increase in demand for quality, bespoke goods that will stand the test of time and few products deliver this better than fine jewellery. Well-crafted jewellery collections showcase quality craftsmanship and the artistry of a beautifully-realised piece of jewellery, but what is really keeping goldsmiths busy at the bench is the market for jewels that can be personalised, customised or imagined from scratch so they are completely unique to their owner. If you’re yet to commission your first bespoke piece of jewellery, you might make the assumption that it will be vastly more expensive than one of the jewels ripe for the picking in the cabinets, but this is not always the case. “We can work around

(above) Hopscotch pendant designs 2016

any budget,” says David M Robinson goldsmith Dawn Welch, who adds that such commissions work particularly well for customers who want to remodel jewellery. “Recently a lady came in with her engagement ring, wedding ring and late husband’s wedding ring, all to be melted together to make a dress ring. She chose to have a heart-shaped amethyst added to represent their love and their shared birthstone. It was such a lovely way to use the items and to remember her late husband.” Demand for bespoke jewels is definitely on the rise at David M Robinson, according to chairman and owner David Robinson. “We have six goldsmiths in the company, probably more than any other regional jeweller,” he says, “and two CAD designers who spend all their time working from my designs, producing prototypes and models for our customers to approve.” For those not familiar with the term, CAD – an acronym describing computeraided design – is used to describe a type of software that allows jewellers to digitally plan out designs. “It takes a confident person to approve a design without seeing >

(this page, from top) Hopscotch sketches; DMR design notebook and wax prototypes (opposite, from top) DMR workshop, Liverpool ONE; Kylie Yeung in her Altrincham studio. Hand-drawn sketches for private client commission

the final piece finished,” says David. “That’s why CAD is such a wonderful asset to our business. Initial sketches are still being approved, but the customer can now view CAD images, which are as precise as a professional photography image. We can also produce a resin model to show them exactly the size and volume of the finished piece.” It really is a glimpse into the future. Another interesting new technology being used by the design teams at David M Robinson is 3D printing. Despite the company’s values being deeply rooted in tradition, the jewellery industry has been embracing this new technique and it is now easier than you might think to print your own piece of jewellery, or at least commission a jeweller to print it for you. Here comes the science. This fascinating piece of tech works in a similar way to your printer at home but, rather than feeding paper and ink into this printer, the technicians use resin instead. Just as your computer knows how to turn a digital Word document into a tangible sheet of printed paper, the 3D printer, rather incredibly, ‘knows’ how to print jewellery, building it up step by step. As each layer of resin is laid out, lasers heat and solidify it before the next layer is applied. And so on and so forth, until the piece is completed and cast in metal using the ‘lost-wax’ casting process. What this sort of technology lends itself best to are complex designs that would be too time-consuming, and therefore more expensive, to do by hand, such as a pair

of bike cufflinks that David M Robinson recently used 3D printing to create. But never fear; the traditional artisans are not about to be replaced by lasers and robotic machines. Once the jewel has been cast, the design will be perfect but the finish will be rough, so it’s back to the goldsmith to be set and polished. “People have been working with their hands since the beginning of time and that won’t stop,” says Dawn. “Goldsmiths add the personal touch and put the printed pieces together, putting the soul into the finished piece.” ●

jewellery

“People have been working with their hands since the beginning of time and that won’t stop,” says DMR goldsmith Dawn. “Goldsmiths add the personal touch and put the printed pieces together, putting the soul into the piece.”

bridal

once upon a time... From the skilled hands of the goldsmith to yours... Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most important ring youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever buy, so choose wisely from dazzling diamond rings, eye-catching sparklers and a rainbow of coloured precious stones

Together FOREVER Wedding day jewellery can be about so much more than a golden band so invest in delicate bracelets, statement necklaces and drop earrings for your big day Photography Andrew Penketh Stylist Yvonne Achato

rosemoon necklace Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £14,500 rosemoon Domed ring Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £1,750 rosemoon Drop earrings Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £2,650 rosemoon bracelet Moonstone and 18ct rose gold, £5,950

bridal

(opposite, left to right) Lunar Necklace Diamond and 18ct white gold, £10,950 Lunar Bangle Diamond and 18ct white gold, £5,950 Engagement Ring Platinum with diamond set shoulders, £9,950 (this page) drop earrings Diamond and 18ct white gold, £4,250 Pear-Cut ring Diamond in halo setting with diamond set shoulders, £6,325

bridal

Moonstone earrings Diamond, pink tourmaline and 18ct white gold, ÂŁ3,750

drop earrings Diamond pavé set and 18ct white gold, £5,250, asymMetric round necklace Diamond pavé set and 18ct white gold, £4,580 twist cuff £8,500 Round diamond ring in platinum, £14,950 wedding riNG Diamond set in platinum, £4,450

bridal

(opposite) Hopscotch necklace Diamond and 18ct white gold, £9,500 Emerald cut ring with diamond set shoulders, £42,500 WeDding band Diamonds and platinum, £1,450 (this page) fine multi strand pearl necklaces from £1,250 Earrings Pearl and diamond, £725 bracelet Oval diamond set in 18ct white gold, £7,500

Lattice Earrings Diamonds and 18ct rose gold, £8,950 Lattice cuff Diamonds and 18ct rose gold, £12,500

Hair and Makeup Lou Box Photographer’s Assistant Alessia Chinazzo Model Violet Budd @ Premier Model Management Venue No.11 Cadogan Gardens Wedding dresses (in order of appearance): Ilustre, Raimon Bundo at Mirror Mirror Aris, Yolan Cris at Mirror Mirror Celmira, Atelier by Pronovias at Teokath Venice, Mirror Mirror Couture at Mirror Mirror Ivania, Atelier by Pronovias at Teokath Lace shoes, Christian Louboutin Lirio, Raimon Bundo at Mirror Mirror Silk dressing gown, Rigby & Peller

bridal

It started with a ring... For Kerri and Adam Malley, their wedding was one of the best days of their lives, surrounded by friends and family in Italy. David M Robinson was a big part of their special day, from the engagement ring picked by Adam to the earrings worn by Kerri. Here, Kerri shares her engagement story and wonderful wedding highlights with d’amour Words by Charlotte Phillips PHOTOGRAPHY Vincenzo Santarella at Morlotti Studio

And the best bit? Looking back a year later. Not only do they want to do it all over again, but when asked if she would pick the same ring, kerri answers, “Yes. Absolutely”

he couple had a magical family wedding over a weekend at Il Borro in Tuscany. To marry Adam Malley, Kerri wore a strapless wedding dress with intricate silver beading and sparkling bridal shoes. A long trestle table was beautifully adorned, the lighting was romantically low and at one point, the bridesmaids all jumped joyfully into the swimming pool. But, as they look back at their wedding a year on, the couple agree that the excitement and anticipation all began with the ring. “Adam chose the engagement ring,” says Kerri. He went to David M Robinson jewellers and “picked the one that he fell in love with himself”. A risky move perhaps, as they’d never even discussed ring shapes, but Kerri “was over the moon and thrilled to bits with his choice. I like to think he has great taste!” It certainly looks that way – Kerri’s ring is a dazzling, round, brilliant-cut diamond in a platinum four-claw setting. Underneath the head of the ring is a hidden secret diamond. The proposal was an incredibly special moment for the two of them; Adam went down on one knee in the labour suite at the hospital right after Kerri had given birth to their daughter, Sienna Lily – who was then a bridesmaid at their wedding, along with Kerri and Adam’s other daugher, Scarlett. “I remember looking down at my beautiful ring (which fitted perfectly) and our brand new baby girl,

born only hours earlier, and feeling like life couldn’t get much better,” Kerri says. David M Robinson was a natural choice for the engagement ring. “Our best friend Josephine works for David M Robinson and we have always bought our jewellery from them,” explains Kerri. “They have a fantastic reputation and the staff are so attentive, knowledgeable and patient when it comes to helping choose pieces of jewellery.” So for their wedding rings, the couple of course went back to David M Robinson. Adam’s is a plain platinum band, and Kerri surprised him by engraving it with their wedding date, the place they married and two pink diamonds on the inside of the ring to symbolise their two little girls. “Obviously no one knows they are there, so it was quite a personal touch,” adds Kerri. Her own wedding ring is an exquisite platinum and diamond band, which sits perfectly alongside her engagement ring. The wedding itself ended beautifully too, with Kerri holding a bouquet of pink and white roses, and the couple driving off in a vintage black Mercedes with their daughters. Kerri’s diamond drop earrings, against her swept-back dark hair on the day, looked perfect, as did her diamond David M Robinson bracelet. And the best bit? Looking back a year later. Not only do they want to do it all over again, but when asked if Kerri would pick the same ring, she answers, “Yes. Absolutely!” ●

(above) the bride and bridesmaids leap into the swimming pool bridal

(below) the happy couple Kerri and Adam taking a moment to themselves

(left) the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David M Robinson wedding bands (below) Adam is ready for his brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival, ring in hand

Scenes from DMR Liverpool ONE showroom and workshop

Diamonds are

At David M Robinson, all jewellery purchases are significant but none are treated more reverentially than engagement rings. make the most of the team’s breadth of experience, from classic to bespoke, to find the perfect ring

bridal

Forever… Words by Charlotte Phillips

hoosing an engagement ring is personal and evocative, reflecting a moment in time and the union of two people. “Your engagement ring will possibly be the most important and symbolic jewellery purchase you make in your lifetime,” says Sara Rickwood, who works for David M Robinson in Manchester. It’s the DMR combination of “trust, knowledgeable staff and a glass of Champagne or two” that creates a memorable experience and leads to the selection of the perfect ring, she says. A couple may walk in, see the perfect ring and buy it as it is, keeping setting, stone and metal the same. They could walk out of the store, the ring on her finger, that very day. When it comes to general preferences, Sara says a “classic, platinum, round brilliant-cut diamond with an elegant twist has been very popular... possibly because the twist enables you to see the diamond from all angles, and the cut and clarity together create a beautiful sparkle.” Alisha Duffy, manager in Liverpool, elaborates on popular choices. “Fashion and trends change with diamond rings and sometimes you can place a ring in a certain

era; however, traditional single diamonds are classic and never date,” she explains. “We have seen a rise recently in diamond shoulders and more rings in 18ct yellow gold rather than platinum.” Another engagement ring option is going down the bespoke route. Sometimes customers want to use a family heirloom or something that has been sitting in a jewellery box for years. The skilled goldsmiths at David M Robinson have experience working with a variety of stones and cuts, and are able to offer innovative ideas with regards to repurposing the original diamond and gold or designing something from scratch. Dawn Welch, goldsmith in Chester, feels “it’s best for me to sit with the clients to discuss ideas and then, if needed, I do a design sheet. Once they have chosen, we can make the complete ring or if the client prefers they can view the ring in stages.” That way, Dawn says, the client can remain involved if they wish to be and adjustments can be made along the way. The customer service at David M Robinson is exemplary and engagement rings are no exception. “I feel it is very important to find out details of the future >

fiancé,” says service manager Nicky Owen, “so you can relate to her and find out her likes and dislikes -- for example, regarding the shape of stone; would she like something delicate or sculptural and modern?” Then a variety of rings are brought out: “Some along the lines of what he described and some he may have not even thought about,” Nicky explains. While David M Robinson has seen an increase in couples shopping together for the perfect ring, Liverpool showroom manager Alisha points out that nonetheless a typical engagement ring shopper “is still a man nervously doing his homework”. The team know what a special moment they’re partaking in. “The DMR service is special because, frankly, it’s our passion to make the most elegant and beautifully designed rings we can,” says managing director John Robinson. “We don’t think about much else. I suspect we’re guilty of getting immersed in the excitement of the occasion with the client; after all, you’re popping the big question!” In fact, says

“The DMR service is special because, frankly, it’s our passion to make the most elegant and beautifully designed rings we can”

Alisha, one client even proposed in the David M Robinson showroom on South John Street in Liverpool. It was “a perfect afternoon with lots of Champagne!” For David M Robinson, an engagement ring is just the start of the relationship. Angela Duffy (yes, Alisha’s mum!) is based in Chester and the most rewarding part of her role is “my clients returning to see me time and time again, from bringing the fiancé to meet me to choosing their wedding bands”. David M Robinson offers a lifetime cleaning and stone-checking guarantee, free of charge. “We develop close relationships with our customers through the purchase of an engagement ring,” says Nicky, “and it leads on to future purchases like a watch for the groom to wear on his special day and anniversary gifts.” In fact, Angela has even been invited to the weddings of those she has helped to choose their engagement ring; the intimate process comes full-circle when “they return a few years later with their newborn to choose an eternity ring.” ●

bridal

For David M Robinson, an engagement ring is just the start of the relationship

Scenes from a bench: a bespoke commission for a DMR-designed engagement ring

One in a Million the most decadent, delicate and jaw-dropping diamond bridal jewellery making it down the aisle in 2015 and beyond comes courtesy of david m Robinson Words by Avril Groom

hooked on you bangle Diamonds and 18ct white gold, £3,250

Lunar earrings Diamonds and 18ct white gold, £2,950

snowdrops rings (from left) Diamond, aquamarine and 18ct white gold, £2,500, Diamond and 18ct white gold, £5,500

Snowdrops Pendant Diamond, aquamarine and 18ct white gold, £1,450

he significance of choosing the perfect engagement ring has never been underestimated but, as women continue to be increasingly involved in selecting their own rock, the spotlight is shining like never before on both bridal and engagement jewellery. The rings are getting bigger, brighter and ever more precious, arguably influenced by social media, which has created an influential cult around the supersized sparkler that is the celebrity engagement ring. A single ring can ignite a trend and the Duchess of Cambridge’s oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds, impressively, has done it twice. Back in the 1980s, when it was first seen on Diana, Princess of Wales’ hand, it stimulated a revival of classic coloured gemstones. Trends never return identically, however, and today there is a far bigger choice of interesting coloured and slightly less expensive stones. The designs are also often less conventional too – take for example, DMR’s Snowdrops ring. With its delicate aquamarine petals and diamonds, it is not that dissimilar from actress Jessica Biel’s ring, which features a central diamond flanked by two aquamarines. The Colore ring, with a central cabochon amethyst surrounded by diamonds, is also full of contemporary colour. A diamond is still the overwhelming engagement favourite, though, and here too

Lunar pendant Diamonds and 18ct white gold, £1,950

mounted by DMR both as pavé-shanked solitaires and Vintage styles. Equally topical are rings where the design is as crucial as the stones and here DMR excels, with signature swirl designs including the diamondscattered Symphony or Lunar rings, and the intriguing, geometric Hopscotch ring with seven princess-cut diamonds. When it comes to wedding jewellery, the focus is nearly always on the ring, yet other pieces are increasingly being given time to shine. Diamond bracelets have long topped a bride’s big day wish list and DMR has several such adornments for wrists, from the Cloud Nine bracelet with its scatter of diamonds to the Cuff Love bangle with its finely worked pavé. The addition of earrings and necklaces to the final outfit can very much depend on the dress and the bride’s hairstyle, but the fashion for elaborate updos means a delicate pair of drop earrings is often popular, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more simply stunning pair than DMR’s Lunar earrings. Diamonds are incredibly versatile; ring designs can be interpreted with a wide range of stone sizes and still look wonderful. So if you don’t have a diamond as big as your fist, perhaps that’s a good thing. It seems to be an unwritten rule of celebrity land that the larger the stone, the shorter the marriage. And after all, it’s not the size that counts, but how beautifully it’s set. ●

bridal

colour is creeping in. Victoria Beckham’s celebrated pink diamond (not in fact an engagement ring, just a very generous gift) started such a stampede for these rare stones that large ones are now virtually unobtainable and their main source, the Argyle Mine in Australia, is almost exhausted. If, however, a client has a similar request, DMR is able to ethically acquire such stones to fit into bespoke designs. A top-quality white diamond, dazzling in its clarity and leaping fire, is the dream engagement stone for many and today there is a variety of shapes and settings to suit every individual. A round solitaire in yellow gold or platinum is the ultimate classic, but the trend is now to surround the stone with tiny pavé diamonds that may continue on to the shank, like DMR’s Vintage setting, which is a great way to enhance a smaller centre stone. Matching wedding rings now often have diamonds too, and style-conscious women can add their own narrow stacking rings with different coloured stones. Celebrity rings undoubtedly set other diamond trends too. Princess and rose cuts, softer and more antique-looking than the traditional brilliant, and variants on the rectangle (such as the brilliantly reflective ripple cut, which is exclusive to DMR, and the flawless emerald cut, sported by Angelina Jolie and Amal Clooney) are

cuff love bangles Diamond pavé set and 18ct rose gold or white gold, £14,500 each

daisychain bracelet Diamonds and 18ct white gold, £8,750

A top-quality white diamond, dazzling in its clarity and leaping fire, is the dream engagement stone for many

Shine

bright

if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true love, then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true what they say; a Diamond is forever, so take inspiration from these eye-catching, conversation-starting sparklers before popping that all-important question photography Andrew Penketh Stylist Yvonne Achato

bridal

(opposite, left to right) Pear shape diamond ring Halo setting with diamonds, 0.9cts, £6,325 Cushion cut diamond ring Halo setting with diamonds, 1.58cts, £16,175 Emerald cut diamond ring With diamond-set shoulders, 2.01cts, £42,500 (this page, clockwise from top left) Oval cut diamond Halo ring With diamond-set shoulders, 0.9cts, £6,300 Brilliant cut diamond ring In twist setting, 1ct, £14,950 Marquise shape diamond ring With diamondset shoulders, 1.2cts, £12,350 marquisecut ring With diamond-set shoulders, 1.20cts, £10,750

Time after time be on time and on trend, thanks to the most innovative and iconic watches from the master horologists at Patek Philippe, Rolex, Tag Heuer, omega and IWC Schaffhausen

Watches

Off the CLOCK

after its impressive range of 175th anniversary models was unveiled in October 2014, Patek Philippe showcased a spectacular array of new ladies’ watches at Baselword 2015

hen it comes to watches, nobody could accuse Patek Philippe of prioritising style over substance. In addressing demand from its female admirers for more technically advanced watches, the revered Swiss watchmaking house showcased no fewer than ten new ladies’ timepieces at annual trade fair Baselworld 2015, including a range of complications. The timepiece pictured is the exquisite Annual Calendar in white gold, proving that form and function can coexist in perfect harmony. Leading the charge, the iconic Calatrava – from the collection launched in 1932 – is an understated, elegant timepiece. Available in two styles, the 33mm white gold model features powdered gold hour markers, a bezel set with 72 diamonds, a guilloché

Watches

silver-grey dial and a manual winding movement, known as calibre 215. On the subtler side of the spectrum, the 34.6mm rose gold Calatrava boasts a beguiling silver-white dial with gold-applied numerals. Slimmer than the white gold model, an ultra-thin, automatic calibre 240 movement, complete with a 22ct gold off-centre mini rotor, provides the motion. Originally designed by Gérald Genta to resemble a porthole, the Nautilus is a rugged sports watch that from 1976 to 1980 was only designed as a model for men. It has now been interpreted for women in two new styles; rose gold, with a diamond set bezel, or stainless steel with a blue opaline dial, and the hour markers, numerals and hands are coated in a luminescent material to ensure visibility in the dark. Technology never looked so good. ●

patek philippe Annual Calendar White Gold Ladies’ watch, 38mm, £32,820 (ref. 4947G-001)

ROLL WITH IT Making waves because of its sporty yet stylish composition, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master also symbolises the time-honoured bond between Rolex and the sailing world

rolex Oyster YachtMaster 18ct Everose gold with Oysterflex bracelet strap, £3,750

s maritime watches go, the Rolex Yacht-Master, launched in 1992, quickly established itself as a design classic and its newest version is no exception. Its Oyster case, invented and patented by Rolex in 1926 as the world’s first waterproof case for a wristwatch, is crafted from 18ct Everose gold and available in a 40mm or 37mm diameter. Waterproof to a depth of 100m, the ‘Triplock triple waterproofness’ element suits the maritime-inspired design. The rotatable bezel, complete with Cerachrom insert, is finished in black ceramic with polished raised numerals, while Chromalight hands and hour markers emit a blue glow after dark. The 40mm model is equipped with calibre 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement developed and manufactured by Rolex. It’s a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute tests. The newly patented, robust Oysterflex bracelet is made from high-performance elastomer and flexible metal blades, featuring a new cushion system designed to stabilise the watch on the wrist – handy when you’re navigating the high seas. ●

WINDING CROWN: screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

FUNCTIONS: centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting

Watches

MOVEMENT: perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

Constructed from elastomer and flexible metal blades, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet features a new cushion system designed to stabilise the watch on the wrist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; very handy when navigating the high seas

omega speedmaster ‘Grey Side of the Moon’, £7,970

The final

frontier

One of the most iconic watches of all time, the Omega Speedmaster is widely known as the ‘Moonwatch’ because of the key role it played in NASA’s space missions. now, 58 years after its launch, it still offers its owner style, quality and reliability

TOP THREE Our favourite omega models, hand-picked for the most discerning of collectors

NASA tests in 1972 comprised 16 brands... once again these decreed Omega the winner, much to the dissatisfaction of American watch manufacturers. omega’s Speedmaster is the only watch approved by NASA for manned space flights

the first manned lunar landing. Leaving his Omega on the Apollo Lunar Module as a reliable back-up, Neil Armstrong was then joined by Buzz Aldrin, just 19 minutes later, and he was wearing his Omega Speedmaster Professional. Used in all of NASA’s lunar and piloted missions since, the manually wound Speedmaster is available today in a number of variants, including striking new White Side of the Moon and Dark Side of the Moon forms, launched at Baselworld in 2015. In addition, joining the latest iteration of the legendary Speedmaster ’57, the Speedmaster Professional Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award commemorates the 45th anniversary of the NASA mission, and features a small inscription on the dial that asks: “What could you do in 14 seconds?” – acknowledging the amount of time it took the Apollo 13 astronauts to perform a small, mid-course correction before safely re-entering earth’s atmosphere. To infinity and beyond... ●

classic constellation, £5,840 The iconic design of the Constellation line is characterised by its famous ‘griffes’ (or claws) and striking dials; this model has a white mother-ofpearl dial, diamondset bezel and stainless steel bracelet.

Watches

ew watches can claim to have kept perfect time in both the international sporting arena and outer space, but then, the Omega Speedmaster is no ordinary watch. The sports chronograph was launched in 1957 to celebrate Omega’s role as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games, when its accurate tachymeter scale bezel first propelled it to the fore. From athletes to astronauts, in 1965 NASA showed an interest in issuing its pilots with Omega’s now legendary chronograph. The only watch to pass a series of arduous tests successfully, Omega added ‘Professional’ to its name once the timepiece returned from its first spacewalk in full working order, becoming the Omega Speedmaster Professional. On 20 July 1969, Omega’s reputation was given a further boost when the brand became part of one of the most dramatic scientific achievements in human history:

Seamaster 300 ‘Spectre’ Limited Edition, £4,785 With the release of the 24th James Bond film, channel the spy style of 007 by sporting this sleek, smart, durable Omega timepiece.

Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial 41mm Blue, £2,770 Powered by the Co-Axial calibre 3330, these robust stainless steel watches also come with a full fouryear warranty.

What’s

Ticking?

according to the industry experts, there has never been a better time for proper watchmaking than right now – despite the best efforts of Apple et al. to steal a march on Switzerland Words by Alex Doak

Omega Globemaster

£4,785

ClÉ de Cartier 35mm

Watches

espite a brief dip in export value in 2009, Switzerland’s watch exports were offset by a 22% recovery in 2010. Then a 20% rise. And another 11%... All the while, however, the vitrines of winter and spring’s trade fairs had never looked so humble. Out with pantomime über-complications, tourbillons for the sake of it and diamondset carbuncles; in with the 1960s reissues, slimline cases and clean white dials. What’s good about this – apart from reminding us what tasteful watchmaking looks like – is that the modern revival of ‘proper’ watches is now complete. With spending power in healthier shape than ever, what we’ll see gleaming from the windows of David M Robinson in the coming months is the most “complete” offering of timepieces seen for decades. The horological fireworks of yesteryear may not quite be in evidence, but a new bedrock of solid, unfussy watchmaking underpins every range currently out; these are legacy products in which everyone can feel confident investing. Take Omega’s Globemaster – a tweak of an oldie but quietly consolidating every one of the brand’s recent mechanical advances inside for the first time. Or IWC’s rebooted, oversized Portugieser, which feels at once both classic and contemporary. Women are better served than ever by watches with both brains and beauty, rather than a simple “pink shrink”. In fact, in the case of the latest Rolex Oyster Perpetuals or Cartier’s Clé, the line between male and female models is increasingly blurred. What certainly doesn’t feel right is the arrival of the smartwatch. I hope wearers will get bored and switch up to a proper watch – one with soul and style. Thankfully, what’s on offer right now is the best ever. ●

£31,400

Rolex Oyster Perpetual £38,000

IWC Portugieser Hand Wound Eight Day £15,250

(left to right) tudor North Flag, £2,430, cartier Calibre de Cartier Carbon Diver, £6,550, raymond weil Freelancer Chronograph Piper Special Edition, £2,895, IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galapagos Edition, £8,250, panerai Tuttonero Luminor 1950 3 days GMT Automatic Ceramica, £10,700

ACTIO N MA N Watches

fRO MR THE THAT CUR WILL OBUS T I VE WIT MPRES WATE R HW S ATC IN TH PROOF EB HES M DES OARD ODEL IGN ROO S TO ED FOR M, ST TIMEP THE AY AH IECE S E MO DER AD OF NM AN

(this page, from top) Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in Everose gold, £25,100, patek philippe Nautilus 5980R in rose gold, £39,300, panerai Radiomir Automatic, £17,100

Watches

(this page, from top) IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar, ÂŁ23,500, Patek Philippe Chronograph and Perpetual Calendar in rose gold (5270R-001), ÂŁ108,130

Watches

(left to right) iwc Pilot Chronograph on steel bracelet, £5,500 tudor Pelagos, £3,020 tag heuer Aquaracer Chronograph, £2,450 ROLEX GMT-MASTER II, £5,950 omega Seamaster Co-Axial Chronometer, £4,630

(this page, left to right) rolex Lady-Datejust in steel and gold, £6,950, tag heuer Aquaracer in diamonds, rose gold and steel, £3,450, longines Conquest, £3,640, omega Constellation, £5,010

Watches

(left to right) iwc Midsize Portofino in red gold, ÂŁ10,150 patek philippe Annual Calendar (4947R), in rose gold case with diamond bezel, ÂŁ44,970

h i s f ter: e p a h

NICOLE KIDMAN’S CHOICE

Watches

M o t e easu d a M rai Car re: bo ne

not everyone embraces subtlety and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re rather more a fan of standing out from the crowd, turn to panerai

Words by Richard Brown

hile the Panerai Carbotech might look towards the future from a technical point of view, every detail of the design is faithful to the history of the much-loved and immediately identifiable Italian brand. First there was titanium, then carbon fibre, then ceramic. Now, as watchmakers continue to experiment with materials more associated with motoring than high-end horology, Panerai presents Carbotech, a composite never before used in the production of timepieces.

Inside the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotechâ&#x201E;˘ 3 Days (pictured above, POA), to give the watch its full name, beats the Panerai-produced calibre P.9000. That means you get an in-house manufactured movement and a totally new material in the same model. The Luminor 1950 case, 47mm in diameter, was developed in the late 1940s to be worn on the wrists of commandos of the Italian Navy. It continues to feature a bezel that rotates only anticlockwise to enable immersion times to be calculated. The watch is water resistant to 300 metres. â&#x2014;?

MANE ATTRACTION model-of-the-moment, queen of the social media jungle, budding actress... is there anything TAG heuer brand ambassador Cara Delevingne can’t do? she has teamed up with Tag to release an on-trend women’s watch

ringing a touch of international glamour to its range, the TAG Heuer Carrera Cara Delevingne Special Edition watch celebrates the brand’s recent ambassador appointment. Paying homage to her star sign, Delevingne has a lion tattoo on her finger, a detail that TAG Heuer chose to reference in its design; the special edition watch case back is stamped with a lion’s head, along with Cara’s signature on the reverse of the strap. Housing a reliable Quartz movement in an elegantly-sculpted 41mm black titanium carbide-coated case, the rose gold-plated hands and hour markers complement a smart, sleek black and charcoal grey backdrop. The face also features an angled date window at 3 o’clock, while the bezel is set with 72 round white diamonds. Choose from luxurious quilted leather or a matching steel bracelet (complete with TAG Heuer’s folding clasp with safety push-buttons). The Carrera Cara Delevingne is practical as well as chic; it’s water resistant to a depth of 100m. ●

Paying homage to her star sign, Delevingne has a lion tattoo on her finger, a detail referenced in the Tag Heuer Carrera Cara Delevingne Special Edition

tag heuer carrera cara delevingne special edition prices from ÂŁ1,700, 41mm, anthracite dial with sunray effect

Watches

case back TAGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cara Delevingne Special Edition Carrera model features a lion emblem on its case back

WATCH

your

kBac Celebrating its 75th birthday in 2015, the current Portugieser collection by IWC Schaffhausen showcases a range of the Swiss watch maker’s in-house movements, including the new 52000-calibre family – found in four models in the latest range

he story of the legendary Portugieser collection began in 1940, when two Portuguese businessmen approached IWC Schaffhausen, requesting a timepiece with the same accuracy as a marine chronometer, which was a highly astute instrument used by sailors to help navigate their journeys. Back then, the only movement with this level of precision was to be found in a pocket watch and therefore rather large in size. IWC decided to take this impressive movement and house it in a classic, minimalist wristwatch case that was much larger than the popular Art Decostyle timepieces of the period. In launching three new additions to the 75-year-old Portugieser range in 2015, the collection now includes the Portugieser Annual Calendar (IWC’s first Annual Calendar, in fact) featuring the 52850-calibre movement and a seven-day power reserve. The month, date and day are shown in three separate, semi-circular windows at 12 o’clock.

IWC Portugieser Automatic, classic men’s watch in steel, £9,650

Watches

Commenting on the introduction of the 52000-calibre to the Portugieser line-up, Christian Knoop, creative director at IWC Schaffhausen, said: “We’ve enhanced the design and finish of the plates and bridges considerably. The slimmer proportions of the rotor provide a more open view of the technology and movements inside the case. You can also clearly see the improved Pellaton winding system with practically wear-free components made of black and white ceramic.” Limited to just 175 timepieces in red gold (and 750 in stainless steel), both with alligator leather straps in black or brown, the 59215-powered Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days Edition ‘75th Anniversary’ is virtually identical to the original 1939 model. Last, but by no means least, the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Edition ‘75th Anniversary’, easily recognisable thanks to its large digital date, month and year display, contains the 89801-calibre complete with Perpetual Calendar featuring a leap year indicator. Sizeable, slick and highspec; can we go on the waiting list? ●

“The slimmer proportions of the rotor provide a more open view of the technology and movements inside the case. You can also clearly see the improved Pellaton winding system’’

Watch Workshop Apart from the human heart, few things in life are required to work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Understanding the pressure our watches are under, David M Robinson has a team of Rolex-accredited watchmakers dedicated to ensuring that your timepieces continue to tick, year after year Words by Richard Brown

Caring for your timepiece

Waterproofing your Watch

Taking care of your precious and valuable items makes financial sense. We ensure that our cars are cleaned and serviced regularly to keep them in good working order so it’s logical that we should do the same thing with our watches and jewellery. When we consider the amount of work carried out by each of the hundreds of components inside a mechanical timepiece, it’s testament to the craftsmanship that goes into making a watch that they continue to keep the time so accurately and for so long – especially given the wear and tear we subject them to on a daily basis. It’s nice to know, then, that it doesn’t require too much care and attention to keep a watch in good working order. At David M Robinson, the team of accredited in-house watchmakers are able to offer a comprehensive list of after sales care, including full repair services, on watches from TAG Heuer, Raymond Weil and Rolex (excluding certain sports watches and chronographs). The company also offers battery replacement, maintenance servicing, timekeeping testing, waterproofing and resealing.

Most modern watches can withstand some level of exposure to water. Watches made before 1970, however, have nowhere near the level of sophisticated waterproofing that modern timepieces do. Therefore, it is sensible for their owners to keep them away from moist environments. Virtually all modern watches can withstand exposure during the washing of hands, while diver’s watches rated at 300m (1,000ft) can easily cope with a swim in the sea. Some watches such as the Rolex SeaDweller Deep Sea can cope with enormous depths but all must be checked regularly to ensure that their seals are working correctly. As there are many openings and joints that need to be sealed, waterproofing a watch is a complicated process. The seals themselves can degrade over time and these should be checked annually, especially if the watch being used for serious waterbased activities like scuba diving. It’s also worth noting that whenever a watch comes into contact with salt water, it should be rinsed off as soon as possible with fresh water. Even high-grade stainless steel will oxidise with direct contact with salt. Whenever a watch case is opened, whether for servicing or waterproofing, the work should only ever be carried out by a professional watchmaker with the necessary testing equipment. At David M Robinson, the team has years of experience in making sure your watches remain in perfect working order.

“The oils and lubricants inside a watch degenerate over time so need to be replaced regularly ”

Ticking over Keep your timepiece ticking At David M Robinson. we offer: ● Full maintenance

service ● Timekeeping tests ● Waterproofing ● Resealing ● Battery Replacement ● Strap changes

Q&A with Mike Brooks Grad BHI

David M Robinson Watchmaker

What’s been the biggest change in the way watches are made in the last decade? The quality of parts that now go into movements has increased dramatically. The research into material in general by the main watch houses has been tremendous.

Does this make watches easier to service? Yes. The quality of metals used in the watches is a lot higher and the tolerances are much more accurate. This means a lot of the adjustments I had to make to a movement as part of a service no longer have to be made.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to maintain a healthy watch? Always have your watch serviced at the manufacturer’s specified service intervals and always have it done by an approved and accredited workshop. This ensures only genuine parts are used and the watchmaker has had to attend the most up-to-date training.

What’s the biggest mistake people make in looking after their timepieces? Watches

The most common problem concerns water resistance. A watch may be classed as water resistant, but this does not always mean it is suitable for swimming. Also, if a watch is worn in water on a regular basis, the seals should be checked every 12 to 18 months and a full water test carried out.

Which is your favourite watch to repair and why? I enjoy working on Rolex the most. They are extremely high-end timepieces, but are very functional. By this I mean Rolex does not over-complicate the watches so there is less that can go wrong and they achieve a very high level of quality and robustness.

Which watch is the most difficult to service? Any chronograph model. The movement has approximately 200 parts in it that all need to be stripped, cleaned and adjusted. Just this usually takes an entire day’s work.

Which timepiece do you wear personally? I wear a Tudor Heritage Black Bay with a red bezel. I love the uncluttered dial. It’s a watch I can wear every day without having to worry about whatever situation that may arise and it still keeps fantastic time. ●

What does your

watch say about you,

sir?

Although the brand of watch a gentleman wears says a great deal about his personal character, Personal taste remains the most important deciding factor. welcome to the club

Raymond Weil

TAG Heuer

Spending much of their lives in pursuit of their next adrenaline high, TAG Heuer wearers brim with enthusiasm and enjoy testng life’s limits, adhering to TAG’s slogan: ‘Don’t Crack Under Pressure’. Often motor racing and extreme / winter sports fanatics, fans of the brand past and present include ‘King of Cool’ Steve McQueen, who wore a TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, and Cara Delevingne.

Founded in 1976 and positioned as the music-lover of the Swiss watchmakers, Raymond Weil creates striking, sturdy and stylish timepieces that are wellrespected in the industry. As such, its customers are refined, practical, upstanding members of society who like to be independent and are loyal one-brand men (and women). Alongside their Raymond Weil, their record collection is their most prized possession.

Cartier

Anyone with more than one watch to their name may well be in possession of a classic Cartier timepiece, as popular with men as with women. This is due to the brand’s stellar track record in creating iconic designs that look as fantastic in the office as at an evening event. Ostentatious gimmicks are not part of Cartier’s repertoire; appreciate its refinement, elegance and quality.

OMEGA

Two names: Buzz Aldrin and James Bond. The former wore an Omega Speedmaster during the first lunar landings in 1969 and this model remains the choice of the fictional British spy, immortalised on screen. Omega buyers, like the watches, are understated, practical, somewhat of a style icon and often more complex than they first seem.

Rolex

The man who wears a Rolex is safe in the knowledge that it will serve him brilliantly for many decades to come. Often high achievers who make sound, low-risk investments, Rolex owners have traditional tastes, but expect their timepiece of choice to look as good with their sharp suit as it does with their off-duty swimwear.

Patek Philippe

IWC was founded by an American in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and its diverse portfolio is testimony to these international roots. Aesthetes adore the elegant Portofino family, divers and explorers gravitate towards the Aquatimer, and the sizeable, purist Portugieser is for those who believe bigger is better. The IWC wearer inevitably enjoys travel; jet-setting Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper has been seen sporting an IWC.

Panerai

The original supplier of precision instruments to the Italian Navy, Panerai then developed its watches to meet the requirements of WWII commando frogmen. Today’s Panerai wearers are creative, fashion-conscious, modernist fans, captivated by the watches’ robust construction and incredibly cool dial typeface. You may find your wife wants to borrow it; women are increasingly drawn to these masculine, oversized models.

Watches

IWC Schaffhausen

Gentlemen who sport a Patek Philippe – which produces some of the most complicated watches in the world – have a tendency to be true horology enthusiasts and consummate professionals. Typically connoisseurs, whether of old-world wine and classic cars or modern art and leather goods, they bring sparkling conversation to a dinner party, while maintaining an air of sophistication at all times.●

have you ever wondered what your choice of watch might say about you?

THE LEGEND AMONG ICONS.

Portugieser Annual Calendar. Ref. 5035: It took Portugalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ocean-going heroes centuries to become legends; IWCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Por tugieser took just 75 years. For it is that long since the appearance of the first IWC Portugieser with a pocket watch movement marked the beginning of a new legendary era. And that revolutionary step forward is still mirrored today in the IWC-manufactured 52850 calibre. The fact that innovative new technology no longer needs an eternity to achieve legendary

status can be seen in the annual calendar, where the month, date and day can be read of f at a I WC . E N G I N E E R E D FO R M E N . glance.

Mechanical movement, Pellaton automatic winding, IWC-manufactured 52850 calibre, 7-day power reserve, Power reserve display, Annual calendar with displays for the month, date and day, Sapphire glass, See-through sapphire-glass back, Water-resistant 3 bar, Diameter 44.2 mm

David M. Robinson | London, Liverpool, Manchester | www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

ti e

l c

h i s f ter: e p a h

e c ar d É

Watches

Following the release of the newest Clé de Cartier, first previewed at annual watch showcase SIHH, take a closer look at the maison’s most ergonomic model to date Words by Louise Rose

imepieces by Cartier appeal both to those who appreciate classic watches that have stood the test of time and to those with an eye for innovation who lean towards more unusual models (we’re looking at you, Cartier Crash). Each watch family is characterised by strong lines and a distinctive form; now joining the rectangular Tank, the square Santos and the round Ballon Bleu is

the curved, ergonomic Clé, available in 31, 35 and 40mm diameters (prices from £6,000). Operating the key (clé) is easy; pull the crown, turn it to set the time and date and you’ll hear a satisfying ‘click’ when it is returned to its original position. This Cartier poetically describes as “a reassuring sound that enhances the sensorial experience… a sound with echoes of congeniality, quality and the complex inner workings of the finest timepieces”. ●

Past & Present From a small workshop in Liverpool to two de beers diamonds international awards, six showrooms and a muchloved, established brand; dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;amour goes behind the scenes at David M Robinson

past & present

Then & NOW

father David m Robinson and son John maintain significant involvement in their family-owned and run company. From its humble origins in Liverpool in the late 1960s to the well-known luxury brand it is today, David M Robinson is looking to the future and evolving with it Words by Charlotte Phillips

arly in the company’s history, a diamond necklace designed by David won the prestigious De Beers Diamonds International Award. This is both a mark of prestige and a huge honour, reflecting the craftsmanship and dedication bestowed by David M Robinson on each piece of jewellery. When David won his second De Beers award, his first ever plane journey was to New York to be honoured with the accolade at the five-star Plaza Hotel. Since winning that second award, his eponymous brand has grown significantly, with stores throughout the UK and more in-house goldsmiths than any other retailer in the North of England. While core values such as integrity, innovation and loyalty remain, the company continues to adapt to the changing luxury retail scene. The David M Robinson showrooms in Cheshire and London are being refurbished over the course of 2015-2016 and workshops updated, resulting in a new retail experience. “Should clients wish to peek inside the world of the watchmaker or spend time with our expert goldsmiths, we offer that facility,” says managing director John Robinson, adding that “people are often genuinely interested in talking to the experts who create with their own hands, using skills passed down over many generations”. The renovated showrooms also allow room for a range of timepieces, including those by Patek Philippe and Rolex, David M Robinson’s principle watch partners, both of which are esteemed in the world of high horology.

(opposite, from top) Workshop visit and demonstration, 1982; A young David Robinson receiving his De Beers Diamonds Today Award, 1976 (right) David, aged 23, at the time of winning his first De Beers Award, and an image of the award-winning collar

resin is created using a 3D printer. David M Robinson has one on site, having introduced it about two years ago. Customers can try on the resin prototype and look at the loose stones to be set, in order to best visualise the piece. The resin is replaced with precious metal using the ‘lost wax casting’ process and the piece of jewellery is created. Using CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) technology allows the customer to have made whatever design they desire. And so, says Chris, “the possibilities are limitless!” As for the overarching mission of DMR, “our efforts are now focused on maintaining our independence and focusing on our designed collections, whether under the Yellow Box or Bridal headings,” says John. David M Robinson proudly continues to supply Britishdesigned and British-made items, which people consistently enjoy. “There are, after all, only a few UK jewellery houses who design and manufacture their own exclusive lines,” points out John. “Provenance is key and manufacturing quality that is second to none is expected, not the exception. Now the search is on for a showroom in central London.” ●

(above) David opened his first tiny shop in North John Street, Liverpool, 1968

past & present

There’s been a redesign of the website too. It now has more stylish, luxurious influences and there is “a clearer distinction between the more masculine watch side and the more feminine jewellery side,” says John. Products and advice have been seamlessly blended, he adds, for an excellent user experience. The logo has been redesigned, due to “the difficulties in trying to place such a long single name as David M Robinson,” smiles John, adding that so many people know the company as ‘DMR’ that DMR in itself was a brand worth developing. John explains that the catalyst for this change has been Liz Allister, who joined the team three years ago, bringing experience from Patek Philippe. “Her insight can be seen in our new packaging, in D’AMOUR and in a more feminine and stylised approach in how we portray the brand,” John explains. Technology is also now playing a more significant role at David M Robinson, improving customer service. CAD design manager Chris Darwell says the process for bespoke pieces has evolved in recent years. Once a piece is commissioned, Chris explains, “a photo-realistic computer generated image is created” and he and his team can also create an animation showing a 360˚ view of the bespoke design. “The customer can see it on an iPad and we can actually make it spin around,” Chris says. This way, the customer can see exactly what they’re getting and it’s much more realistic than traditional hand drawings. Once approved, a prototype made from

cad Design manager Chris Darwell explains that once a computer-generated image of a bespoke design has been created, his team can create a 360˚ animation. “The customer can see it on an iPad and we can even make it spin around”

Meet the

Team At David M Robinson, exceptional service comes as a result of staff who are passionate about ensuring each customer has an immersive, enjoyable experience and take pride in DMR’s ethos and products. we meet some key team members Words by Charlotte Phillips

company without great staff is like a watch without working internal parts; even if you can’t see them all, they’re essential and function as part of an integrated whole. David M Robinson, a family business at its core, is understandably proud of its loyal, dedicated and brilliant staff, many of whom have been with the company for decades.

Meet Angela and Alisha Angela Duffy, who works in Chester as sales ambassador, explains that at David M Robinson, someone “calling in to have their jewellery checked or cleaned” is “just as important as someone purchasing a luxury watch.” She recalls a couple looking at watches in the windows, who said they wouldn’t think of coming in “as it looked far too posh.” However, Angela says, after “coffee and chatting for a good while, they each bought a watch and came back the following two years to buy one for each of their daughters.” Angela’s daughter Alisha joined the DMR family nine years ago and is now manager of the showroom in Liverpool. Alisha has helped countless men select the perfect ring. “It’s amazing hearing them describe their partner in such detail, and particularly endearing to watch them realise how much they love this person,” Alisha says, adding that “it really sends you home with a smile on your face.”

Meet Lee and Hannah Manager Lee Chadwick and assistant manager Hannah Williams in the St. Ann’s Square showroom, Manchester

at dmr, someone “calling in to have their jewellery checked or cleaned” is “just as important as those purchasing a luxury watch”

past & present

As manager of DMR’s popular St. Ann’s Square showroom, Lee Chadwick’s role is to provide the best customer service the UK has to offer. He’s been in the trade for 20 years, during which “retail has changed dramatically; it’s now about helping our clients through numerous special celebrations.” A self-described watch fanatic, Lee adds that he feels lucky to work with a great team who are ultimately his second family, including two of the UK’s finest goldsmiths and watchmakers. As Lee’s assistant manager in Manchester, one of Hannah Williams’ main roles is to “ensure the showroom is not only well-run and professional but also a fun place in which to work and, consequently, fun to buy in”. She explains that the David M Robinson ethos revolves around understanding. “You have to get to know the customer. A new customer can be a little nervous so it’s our role to listen to them and simply discover how we can help.” As for the future of David M Robinson? “We are constantly analysing ourselves and developing ways to be better in our services and products to elevate DMR in a very competitive market,” Hannah answers. Directors use staff feedback to make decisions, she says, adding that she loves that her “opinion is valued and used on this exciting journey of constant betterment.” >

Meet Mike and Rupert So to the team in Liverpool and Mike Brooks; having been a watchmaker for 30 years, he is responsible for repairs, servicing and all watch-related queries. He works on brands including Rolex, Omega and Cartier; Rolex accreditations in particular are notoriously difficult to obtain, requiring regular training and the most current tooling. Mike recalls a lady who had damaged her Rolex in a nasty fall. It was a gift from her late husband. “The repair estimate was a bit high for her. I suggested she contact her insurance company to see if it was covered by her policy. She returned, heartbroken, saying they didn’t believe the damage was caused by her fall.” Mike contacted the insurers himself, with a detailed breakdown of the damage and explanation of how it was caused. Her insurers were satisfied with his letter and the cost was covered. “This was 12 years ago,” Mike says, “and whenever the lady passes by she always pops in to say hello and give me a hug.” Working with Mike is master goldsmith Rupert Haworth. One of the most meaningful tasks he carries out is the remodelling of pieces passed down from mother to daughter. “The raw materials are there to work with so it’s nice to give a sentimental piece a new lease of life in a modern style”. When it comes to being part of the team, Rupert believes David M Robinson is an excellent place to work, thanks to real “investment in staff and company. This underpins the integrity and professionalism of DMR as a company.”

Intense concentration is etched on the face of Mike Brooks

Rupert Haworth checks the setting on a handmade wedding band

London Calling: Sandy and Baron in DMR’s London showroom

Meet Sandy and Baron Baron Blackman, assistant manager in DMR’s London showroom, is most proud of the aftercare service at David M Robinson. “We always encourage our clients to stay in touch and continue their watch and jewellery journey with us. Clients notice the sincerity,” Baron says. Manager Sandy Madhvani speaks highly of the company’s training process and the evolution of products: “Ask my wife; she never leaves the house until she has a piece of Yellow Box jewellery on!” He recalls meeting a customer many years ago: “We spent so much time on our first meeting that I ended up taking my family to his wedding in Italy some weeks later,” Sandy says. ●

past & present

As time goes by Time is life’s greatest luxury. four famous faces from the David M Robinson family tell us what time means to them Words by Richard Brown

Sally Nugent

BBC Breakfast Presenter What is your favourite time of day? That depends on where I am in the world. But my favourite moment is that time on holiday when you’ve been on a beautiful beach for the day and the sun is about to go down. Most people go off to do something else but I like to stay as late as possible and enjoy the peace and quiet as evening falls. It’s a magical time. Would you rather have the ability to stop time or to go back in time? I don’t like to look back too much – so I think the ability to stop time would be brilliant. My job means lots of very early starts – my alarm goes off at 3.30am. So the ability to stop time at that point would be very tempting. If you could revisit one historical era or event, what would it be? I’ve always loved those very glamorous classic Hollywood films. If I could choose any time I would go back to the 1950s and ‘60s in the south of France and the era when they filmed To Catch a Thief, on location on the Côte d’Azur and up in the hills of Provence. If you could spend time as someone else, who would it be and what would you do? I’m not sure who that would be but I would love to spend just a little time as someone who was a bit more sporty than

I am! I’m always so impressed by people who dedicate their lives to getting out and training in the rain, wind and cold no matter how they feel. I would love to have that competitive edge. Which event from your life would you most like to relive? I was in the Olympic stadium in 2012 when Usain Bolt won the 100 metres. It was a special night – and also my birthday – so I

always remember that one. But if I could go back to any time it would be to when I was growing up. I was painfully shy as a child, not confident, but I loved music and played piano reasonably well. I remember playing a beautiful piece of Rachmaninoff at an end of year concert at school and seeing my parents in the sea of serious faces in the audience. My dad caught my eye and winked at me. And in that little moment I wasn’t nervous at all.

“my favourite moment is that time on holiday when you’ve been on a beautiful beach for the day and the sun is about to go down... I like to stay as late as possible and enjoy the peace and quiet as evening falls”

A panoramic view of the Côte d’Azur near the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer

(far left) Cayman Black edition by Porsche (left) Jamie Donaldson

Jamie Donaldson Professional Golfer

What was the first watch you owned? I think it was one of those early digital ones way back when I was a kid. I can’t really remember it but I think I broke it and got in trouble with my mother. Which watches do you wear now? I wear Rolex mainly. The Rolex Deepsea is a stunning watch and I continually get asked about it. I enjoy wearing a Rolex Daytona and the Ryder Cup players’ Rolex watch is pretty cool also. I am intrigued by Patek Philippe, but I’m a Rolex man at heart.

What is your favourite time of day? Early in the morning when the sun is

Would you rather have the ability to stop time or to go back in time? Sometimes I guess we all think ‘I wish I knew that back then’, but to be honest, I always look forward and right now I am concentrating on raising our kids, improving as a golfer and making Darren Clarke’s Ryder Cup team in 2016. If you could revisit one historical era or event, what would it be? As an ambassador for the RAF Benevolent Fund, in July 2015 I had the immense honour to fly with the RAF in a Hawk T2 fighter jet with IV

Squadron at RAF Valley, Anglesey. That was an unbelievable experience; their professionalism is off the scale and flying through the Lake District at 500mph at 250 feet pulling 4G is an experience not easily forgotten. If you could spend time as someone else, who would it be and what would you do? I would have to be Seve [Ballesteros], the greatest! He was and always will be my hero, not just in the way he played but in the way he lived. He was truly a great person who changed the game in Europe, stood up to the USA and made the Ryder Cup what it is today. Which event from your life would you most like to relive? The birth of my children. Simple as that; nothing comes close. >

past & present

What are your favourite brands? Porsche and Zurich. I love Porsche’s cars and own one. The engineering is terrific and they drive so pure and true. I also work with Zurich and I could not be more impressed with how it activates the brand around the ‘love of golf”. It’s very clever and equally productive for its business.

coming up and there is peace and quiet all around. I love the outdoors so being on a golf course or up in the hills on my mountain bike early doors is terrific.

“My favourite time of day? Early in the morning when the sun’s coming up and there is peace and quiet all around. I love the outdoors so being on a golf course or up in the hills on my mountain bike early is terrific”

Barbara Bergman and Klas Kall of Rialto Living

Barbara Bergman

Founder of Rialto Living, a lifestyle concept store in palma, Mallorca What was the first watch you owned? It was Swiss-made and called Exacta. It was given to me by my paternal grandparents. I was living in São Paulo at the time – I was about four years old – and I remember it was steel. I think I actually still have it in a box somewhere. Which watch do you wear now and why? I have several watches and I used to change a lot, but at the moment I’m focusing so much on work that I forget and only change when I go to parties. My everyday watch is a Rolex in steel. It’s great, tough and can be kept on all the time regardless of my activity. For parties it would be the Hermès Cape Cod or Cartier Tank Américaine, depending on how elegant I want to be! What is your favourite brand? I don’t really have a favourite brand; it is more the models of watches that attract me. I think it is nice to have a variety of different types rather than have the same model in different colours. But Cartier and Rolex top the list.

What is your favourite time of day? For the moment I would say the mornings, unless our dog, a Jack Russell called Cooper, wakes me too early… I try not to stress in the morning and let things take their time – breakfast, morning walks, etc. Once I get to work I stay late so this quiet time I get in the morning is important to me. Would you rather have the ability to stop time or to go back in time? This is a question that makes me realise I am getting older, which in a way is a good thing. My answer would be to stop time as the days are flying by too quickly and I don’t have time to do everything I want. When I was younger I could never understand older people when I asked them, ‘What do you want for your

birthday?’ and they answered ‘More time’. Now I am there myself! If you could revisit one historical era or event, what would it be? I would go back to visit my own life, the first eight years when my parents were still married and we lived all together in Brazil and Mexico. If you could spend time as someone else, who would it be and what would you do? This is not an easy question; either I answer quickly as I normally do with everything or otherwise I have to give it a lot of thought and come up with something clever. What comes to mind quickly is Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, but more for what they did and how they were, more than that I would like to live their lives which were very hard. Otherwise I am quite happy being me…

“When I was younger I could never understand older people when I asked them ‘What do you want for your birthday?’ and they answered ‘More time’. Now I am there myself!”

Rainer Becker,

Creator and co-founder of london’s Zuma, Roka and Oblix restaurants What was the first watch you owned? A Dugena that I was given for my 15th birthday. I remember feeling very grown up at the time. Which watch do you wear and why? I have and wear several watches depending on my mood. When investing in a watch, I look at the technology, the craftsmanship and of course, the mechanical aspects behind a piece. When you spend money on a good watch, it is important that it reaches the expected standard, but equally important is the design. When you have to live with something every day, it needs to feel good, look good and make you feel pleased when you look at it. This is the perfect marriage between utility and design for me. Which is your favourite brand? I have a few: Patek Philippe, JaegerLeCoultre, Panerai, A. Lange & Söhne and Zenith. What is your favourite time of day? The morning; my wife and I have a young

baby so every morning is quite beautiful. I am blessed with two amazing daughters, so I am a lucky man, and they are the first thing I think of when I wake up.

The day they destroyed Berlin Wall; it heralded a new beginning for Europe, and for the world. I am so glad that this event happened in my lifetime.

What would you rather, the ability to stop time or the ability to go back in time? To stop time – I am happy with my past and there is nothing there that I need to revisit. I have strong memories of the important stuff and I carry them with me; the other things just fade away. The present is very important and I don’t think we live enough in the present so I’m happy to stop time and cherish moments with family and friends. In life, you can almost feel when memories are being made.

If you could spend time as one other person, who would it be and what would you do? That’s impossible to answer because I don’t think I could be anyone else, or want to be anyone else. I guess it would be easier to say who I would most like to meet and that would be Leonardo Da Vinci. I was always fascinated by how his creative mind transported him from science to art and even culinary interests. I would love to talk to him and find out how his brain ticked.

If you could revisit one historical era or event, what would it be?

Which event from your life would you most like to relive? I’m a father, so every moment with my girls. That is my true happiness. ●

“When investing in a watch, I look at the technology, the craftsmanship and the mechanical aspects... When you spend money on a good watch, it is important that it reaches the expected standard, but equally important is the design”

(above) Oblix restaurant (left) Roka

Ride on Time

World Champion cyclist, Britain’s most successful Tour de France rider and fan of dmr’s jewellery and watches, Mark Cavendish MBE talks about celebrating wins with a new watch and being part of the DMR-sponsored amateur cyclist sportive PHOTOGRAPHY by Scott Mitchell

The inaugural CVNDSH sportive was a huge success; how does it feel to be one of the driving forces behind getting the UK cycling? When I started cycling I didn’t think it would become as big as it is. It was a niche sport then and I did it because I loved it. To see it grow in the UK, with people riding their bikes for commuting, racing or simply pleasure, is pretty phenomenal. To think I could have played a part in that, however small, really does make me feel proud.

With the growth of women’s professional cycling, how would you feel if your little girl Delilah wanted to ride professionally in the women’s peloton? As a protective father, I get nervous at the thought of my daughter doing anything dangerous. But, on the other hand, I would support her in whatever she might want to do in life.

Your second child, a son, was born in August 2015. How has fatherhood affected your racing? When I [found out] I was going to become a father the guys who were already dads in the peloton warned me: “You won’t want to be away from home”, “you won’t want to take risks” and things like that. But actually it had the opposite effect on me. I decided that the way I was going to give my family the best life possible was by riding my bike and so that meant every time I was away,

You are known across the globe as somebody who is obsessive about attention to detail in every facet of your life, especially racing. How does this manifest itself on a day-to-day basis? It’s calmed down since I became a father; you have to let things go a little bit more. You can put something back in its place and then you know that two minutes later it’s not going to be there! I wasn’t really that attentive to my personal space when I was younger, but I have always had an eye for >

every stroke of the pedal, was for their benefit and it made me even more hungry.

past & present

detail – everything had to match and be precise and exactly how I wanted it. I think the only way to strive to be as close to perfect as possible is to get every little detail within your capabilities correct. What are you most proud of, both personally and professionally? Personally my proudest achievement is definitely my children. I’ve got the most beautiful family and I’m incredibly lucky. Professionally it’s the UCI Road World Championships; that’s something that will always stand out. I’m fortunate enough to have won two World Championships on the track, but what it took to win the Road World Championships is something that will stay with me forever. I’m someone who doesn’t live by regrets really. ‘Shoulda, woulda, coulda’ isn’t part of my vocabulary. You often speak about how everything appears to be in slow motion at the conclusion of a race, and how you analyse your moves in minute detail. What techniques do you employ to do this? I didn’t even know I did it until people started asking me about it. It’s just something that always came naturally to me. I think it comes naturally to most top level sports people, whatever sport they play. A lot of people go out and ride their bike, or go to the gym, but while it’s important to train your muscles to keep them responsive, it’s as important to train your brain. I do a lot of puzzles, especially Japanese number ones.

100

from golf is the fact that we are a team so we have people to share it with. This makes things better when you’re happy, but you can also rely on somebody when you are down and get through it together. Obviously we have a job to do so to get too emotionally involved is always going to be detrimental to your physical performance and emotion in a race is a waste of energy, but at least we have our teammates to support us whatever. Which other sports stars do you admire? I never really had heroes growing up, but I admire anyone who is a professional sportsman or woman. I understand why they get frustrated when people say they are ‘lucky’. Obviously sportspeople are fortunate to do what they do, but we aren’t lucky. You see the winning and you see the lifestyle, but it’s hard for someone who doesn’t do it to see what goes into that. What ambitions do you have left? To be fair I’ve done pretty much everything that I set out to do when I turned professional. The only thing that’s really missing from a personal point of view is an Olympic medal. In cycling, the Olympics aren’t a massive deal so it doesn’t really affect my career so much, but as a British sportsperson the Olympics is the biggest thing you can do while wearing the jersey that represents the flag you were born under. I’m incredibly patriotic and proud to represent my country, and I would love to win an Olympic medal for Great Britain.

With new sprinters in the peloton every year, how will you have to adapt your style to retain your competitive edge? I think the sprint has changed a lot in the last years because of the fact that there are actually dedicated sprint teams now. I was part of teams that were formidable sprint trains, but they always had a diversity to ride well in other stages, whereas teams now come with a full eight guys to ride for one sprinter. I actually don’t want to be a part of a team like that because I’m proud of a group win across the board, but it definitely makes it harder for a team that’s not completely dedicated to the sprint.

You are a big fan of watches. Which models in your collection are your favourites? I was really excited when I was waiting for my Rolex Yacht-Master Everose to arrive. The research and development that has gone into Rolex’s first rubber strap is quite a big thing. It’s a pretty cool watch. When I win a big race I also like to get myself and my teammates matching watches so I’ve got everything from green-on-green Submariners from when I won the green jersey to Panerai watches with red straps. I’ve got quite a collection, but they have more sentimental value to me than anything.

Tiger Woods talks about trying not to get too overexcited when things are going right or too down on himself when things are going badly; is this something that you can relate to during a Grand Tour? A Grand Tour definitely is a roller coaster of emotions, but what sets cycling apart

People who love watches often love cars too. Does this apply to you? I’m a bit of a speed freak. I do love cars and motorbikes. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Jaguar Academy of Sport. I think the cars are absolutely phenomenal as is the company as a whole. It’s an incredibly good

group of people and, with their Academy of Sport, it’s not just throwing scholarships or money into marketing; there is a mentoring programme, which enables young people to achieve what they can in their sport. Are there any watches missing from your collection that you’d love to own? I’ve got a stainless Patek Philippe Nautilus that I wore to get married which is an incredibly beautiful timepiece, but I think eventually I’d like to get a complication piece from Patek Philippe. The history and story behind its watchmaking is pretty exquisite and to get a complication from Patek would be something really special. In light of the CVNDSH sportive and other similar amateur sportives such as L’Etape du Tour, what advice would you give to amateur cyclists looking to tackle one or just improve their performance? It sounds like a basic answer but riding your bike is going to get you better, simple as. The more you train, the more you ride, the better you’re going to be, and you’ll find any race, any ride, a lot easier. ●

Quickfire Q&A Favourite car: Jaguar F–Type R Coupé Favourite film: Layer Cake Favourite actor: Leonardo DiCaprio – “I can’t think of a bad film he’s been in” Favourite band: Arctic Monkeys Favourite race: Tour de France Proudest moment: Personally – becoming a father; professionally – winning the Road World Championships

past & present

“I was really excited when I was waiting for my Rolex Yacht-Master Everose to arrive. The research and development that has gone into Rolex’s first rubber strap is quite a big thing”

101

Store information & contacts ALTRINCHAM 14 Railway Street Altrincham WA14 2RE T: 0161 928 7487 OPENING HOURS:

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm Sunday: Closed altrincham@davidmrobinson.co.uk

CHESTER

LIVERPOOL ONE

LONDON

6 St Michaels Square Chester CH1 1EE T: 01244 320 046

4-6 South John Street Liverpool L1 8BJ T: 0151 708 1140 Repairs: 0151 708 1141

4 Jubilee Place Canary Wharf E14 5NY T: 020 7538 2332

OPENING HOURS:

102

OPENING HOURS:

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm Sunday: Closed chester@davidmrobinson.co.uk

OPENING HOURS:

MANCHESTER

SOUTHPORT

St. Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square Manchester M2 7JB T: 0161 834 0217

447-449 Lord Street Southport PR9 0AQ T: 01704 534 971

OPENING HOURS:

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 4.30pm manchester@davidmrobinson.co.uk

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm Sunday: Closed southport@davidmrobinson.co.uk

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5.30pm Sunday: 11am - 4.30pm southjohn@davidmrobinson.co.uk

www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

Monday - Friday: 9am - 8pm Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: 12pm - 6pm london@davidmrobinson.co.uk

For repair, servicing and valuations, please see our website for details. All prices are correct at time of going to press. Prices are subject to change without notice. E&OE Why not take advantage of the Interest Free Credit options offered by David M Robinson? An easy and convenient way to pay for your dream watch or piece of jewellery. Interest free credit is subject to status. Please see our website for further information.

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 16

Moments in time Stop the clock with timeless jewellery and watches designed to stand the test of time

Issue 4