Haute Montres 2020 by Aspire Lifestyle

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N 40° 45’ 31’’ W 73° 58’ 43’’.

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A RANGE OF SELF-CHARGING POSSIBILITIES Lexus offers the widest range of luxury self-charging hybrids. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a striking SUV or a dynamic sedan, Lexus holds the keys to an out of this world experience.

E C O - F R I E N D LY Our self-charging hybrid systems are eco-friendly and produce zero emissions when in Electric Vehicle Mode. CO S T- E F F EC T I V E Every time a Lexus Hybrid uses the electric motor it limits petrol usage, which lessens petrol costs. Additionally, the cost of replacing parts is reduced as Lexus Hybrids produce less wear and tear of brake pads and tyres, resulting in further savings.

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CO NVEN I ENT Our self-charging system means that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never have to connect a Lexus Hybrid to a power socket. They are always ready to drive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no plugs, no diesel, no compromise. C O M F O R TA B L E Auto-transmissions between the electric motor and the petrol engine ensure an easier and smoother driving experience.

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Contents 20

20 Switzerland

Home of luxury and watchmaking

26 Fine watch display The latest watch trends

46 The summit of style The story of Patek Philippe

60 Practical magic

Tool watches, beyond telling the time

74 Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bounty

Designs that take inspiration from nature

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH XXX 13

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82 For the love of diamonds

Graff, a hallmark of luxury and innovation

92 Outrageous by design

The world’s most lauded jewellers and their designs

98 Local ﬂair

104

South Africa’s favourite jewellers

104 Game face on

The relationship between golf and Swiss luxury watch manufacturers

112 Lexus

Lexus LS and the craftsmanship revolution

122 Smart watches

The future is here with these smart watches

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P0PL2

IWC PORTUGIESER. ENGINEERED FOR NAVIGATORS.

Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42

features a dark blue dial, braided blue calfskin

R E G I S T E R TO E X T E N D YO U R I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Boutique Edition. Ref. 3442: Imagine: the even-

strap and case made of 18-carat Armor Gold ®,

L I M IT E D WA R R A N T Y F R O M 2 TO 8 Y E A R S R E G I S T E R O N I WC .CO M/M Y I WC

ing sun reflects off the water and at the horizon sea

a particularly hard version of 5N gold. Ticking away

and sky melt into one. With its exquisite design in

inside is the IWC-manufactured 82650 calibre with

blue and gold, the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar

Pellaton winding and a 60-hour power reserve.

42 Boutique Edition brings the magic of a perfect

It’s a watch that will ensure you leave a lasting

day out on the ocean to your wrist. This special

impression at more than the captain’s table.

edition, available exclusively at our boutiques,

IWC . ENGINEERING DRE AMS . SINCE 18 68 .

IWC-manufactured 82650 calibre · Pellaton automatic winding system · 60-hour power reserve · Perpetual calendar with displays for the date, day, month and perpetual Moon Phase · Leap year display · Central hacking seconds · Sapphire-glass · Sapphire-glass · See-through sapphire-glass back · Water-resistant 3 bar · Diameter 42,4 mm

IWC Schaffhausen, Switzerland · www.iwc.com

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HM OAN UT RTE ES LUXU RY WATC H E S & J E W E L LE RY | LIF E ST Y LE

e are thrilled to present to you our latest issue of Haute Montres. As always, we have loved putting together these pages, in which we look at all things watches and jewellery. In this issue, we dive into the story of Graff, a tale of beauty and craftsmanship that unfolds over the course of six decades. We also take a look at the history of Patek Philippe and how this luxury brand has evolved and grown since its inception in the 1800s. With spring upon us, it feels apt to discover some beautiful timepieces that take their inspiration from nature. And in the spirit of supporting local, we round up the best South African jewellery makers and see what they have created this season — we trust you won’t be disappointed. We also look at some truly outrageous jewellery pieces and explore Switzerland, the home of luxury and the origin of so many of our favourite luxury watchmakers. We hope that you enjoy the journey we have curated for you — from the finest traditions in horology to the latest technology in smart watches, and all the beautiful details in between.

the team EDITOR Lauren Zuidema DESIGN & LAYOUT Bianca-Leigh Nagel CONTRIBUTORS Debbie Hathway, Jennifer Campbell, Thea Beckman IMAGES & ILLUSTRATIONS: Supplied, Shutterstock, DepositPhotos, Unsplash.com ADVERTISING SALES Vann van Staden PUBLISHED BY Southern Vines Magazine (Pty) Ltd Printed by

, a division of Novus Holdings

DISTRIBUTION Community Life Media, Media Support, On The Dot SALES ENQUIRIES 021 712 3842; vann@southernvines.co.za ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent and permission of the publisher and copyright owners as featured. DISCLAIMER All information was correct at the time of print. We cannot be held liable for any changes thereafter.

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FO R G E D F R O M O U R D N A . AU T H E N T I C I N E V E RY D E TA I L .

M A R Q™ C O L L E C T I O N

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SWITZERLAND switzerland Home of luxury and the royal families of watchmaking. BY THEA BECKMAN

The royal families of Swiss watchmaking

ou know those stunning travel photographs of fairy-tale destinations you sometimes come across on Instagram? The ones with the lushly carpeted valleys juxtaposed by staggeringly high, snow-capped mountains, a glittering river and perhaps a medieval church and charming wooden bridge thrown into the mix? Yep, it's probably Switzerland. Home of the Swiss Alps, Swiss chocolate, Swiss bank accounts, and some of the world's best skiing, Switzerland is so gloriously beautiful, to add a filter to any photograph taken of its landscapes is to commit a blasphemous crime of the most unforgivable nature. But for all the exports for which Switzerland is internationally beloved, none are quite as legendary as the Swiss watch. For in the world of luxury timepieces, Switzerland is King.

Swiss watches are profoundly iconic and, depending on the make and model you desire, profoundly expensive. In fact, in 2019, a one-ofa-kind Patek Philippe was sold at a charity auction for $31 million, making it the most expensive wristwatch ever sold. Before that, the title belonged to a Rolex Daytona, which sold in 2017 for $17.7 million (granted, it had belonged to Paul Newman). And, of course, both Patek Philippe and Rolex belong to the Swiss royal family of luxury watchmakers. What is it about these timepieces that is so desirable? It is the expensive and rare metals and gems from which they are artfully crafted? Is it the masterful micro-engineering that goes into their teensy, tiny puzzle-work of springs, wheels, and rotors? Or is it the statement these watches make of luxury, prestige, and style? The answer is undoubtedly "all of the above." Let's meet a few members of the royal families of Swiss watchmaking.

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Patek Philippe Patek Philippe has been turning out the highest of the high-end timepieces since its inception in 1839. To give you some meter of this Swiss brand's prestige, of the world's top ten most expensive watches ever sold at auctions, seven were made by Patek Philippe. Also, Queen Victoria, John F. Kennedy, Pablo Picasso, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and our very own Nelson Mandela were all patrons of this dazzlingly opulent brand.

To experience the Patek Philippe story, you can head on over to the Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers in Geneva, Switzerland to visit the Patek Philippe Museum. Here, over five centuries of Swiss watchmaking history are housed in a charming, restored Art Deco building, featuring two astounding collections of timepieces, the accumulative cost of which could probably rival the GDP of the European continent.

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Rolex In 1926, when it seemed that highend, American-made timepieces would permanently nudge Switzerland out of the North American market, Rolex rolled out the Oyster, the world's first waterproof watch. The very next year, a young British secretary called Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel, wearing the Rolex Oyster, which was found to be in perfect working order when

she emerged on the other side of the gruelling 10-hour swim. This innovation is really testament to the spirit of Rolex, which was founded by Hans Wilsdorf in the early 1900s at a time when timepieces weren't worn on the wrist but rather carried around in the pocket. Today, Rolex is a firmly established status symbol for affluence.

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The Swatch Group Ltd. Founded in 1983, the Swatch Group is the younger of the royal families of Swiss watchmaking, but what it may lack in history it more than compensates for through sheer prolificacy. The group has a constellation of luxury watch brands under their umbrella, including, amongst others, Breguet, which was actually founded in 1775 but became a

subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group in 1999. Then there’s, amongst many others, Harry Winston, Longines, Tissot, and OMEGA, the lattermost of which has been worn on every piloted mission NASA has sent into space, including all six moon landings. OMEGA has also served as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932.

Home of luxury World’s best skiing, chocolate, banking, progressive thinking, modern architecture, and sparklingly clean cities…it seems that whatever the Swiss set their minds to, they do so with unrivalled attention to detail and an unfaltering consideration for both function and aesthetics. Yet, in no way is this more impressively demonstrated than in the Swiss luxury timepiece, which, for all its purpose as timekeeper, is a timeless status symbol. HM

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28657

H OW C A N YO U S TAY CO N N EC T E D B U T N E V E R D I S T R AC T E D?

We questioned the conventions of connectivity in the new RX. Featuring a Remote Touch centre console, voice-activated navigation and a 12. 3-inch multimedia touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, driving has never been more intuitive.

THE NEW

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WATCH DISPLAY

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PATEK PHILIPPE

Minute Repeater 5303R-001 The new grand complication piece from Patek Philippe was created with connoisseurs of striking watches in mind. Its open design means that the minute repeater, including the hammers and gongs, can be seen in action whilst the watch is being worn. And it’s not just the mechanisms that are beautiful to see — the rose gold case features white gold intarsias that are engraved with foliage motifs, while the hand-stitched strap is made from shiny black alligator leather with square scales. The watch really is a masterpiece — each component, from the dial to the case, has been finished by hand by a dedicated, trained specialist.

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BLANCPAIN

Fifty Fathoms

A stylish and modern diver’s watch, the Fifty Fathoms Grande Date is both elegant and practical. The date is displayed in two large figures in two apertures, and the piece features a stunning 45 mm titanium case and strap with a black dial and sapphire crystal case-back. Waterresistant to 300 metres. The Fifty Fathoms collection was designed to embody Blancpain’s passion for the marine world and dates back to 1953 with the creation of the first modern diver’s watch. The watchmakers have since worked with divers, scientists and underwater photographers in adding to the collection with innovative materials and technical solutions.

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BREGUET

Classique 7337

This model from Breguet comes in 18-carat white gold and features a self-winding movement that displays the date, day and the phases and age of the moon. The gold dial is hand-engraved with a rose engine, while the chapter ring is designed to sit off-centre. A sapphire case-back adds a certain elegance to the piece, which is available in a choice of rose gold, white gold and yellow gold.

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PIAGET

Altiplano Ultimate This limited-edition timepiece is the world’s thinnest mechanical handwound watch and is created entirely in-house. The design is a real labour of love — it took four years just for a prototype to be produced and the final product features a number of new innovations, including an integral winding crown, ultra-thin crystal, new constructions for the barrel and energy regulation. The wheels are just 0.12mm thin, while the sapphire crystal case is 0.2mm — at just 2mm in total, the watch is groundbreakingly thin. The piece comes with a blue technical textile strap and a cobalt ardillon buckle, both of which make for a stylish statement.

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FRANCK MULLER

Vanguard Revolution 3 Skeleton

This impressive offering from Franck Muller boasts a triple-axis tourbillon that corrects the force of gravity in all positions. A technical masterpiece, this intricate system is certainly one of the most complex and exciting in haute horlogerie. The watch also features a skeleton movement, which reveals black open-worked bridges, allowing you to view the beautiful mechanism. The piece is available in a choice of two striking tones: red and blue.

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ROLEX

Oyster Perpetual Submariner Rolex recently presented the new generation of its Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date — both watches represent the brand’s strong connection to the world of diving and are guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 metres. They have been redesigned to feature a slightly larger case, although aesthetically the design remains true to the Rolex heritage. The Submariner in Oystersteel has a classic black dial, rotatable bezel and matching Cerachrom insert. The range sees a yellow Rolesor version available in the Submariner Date, which features a striking royal blue dial. The Submariner Date also comes in Oystersteel with a green bezel or 18-carat white gold with a black dial and blue bezel. Both timepieces carry the Superlative Chronometer certification to ensure excellent performance. They also feature a unique Chromalight display — the hands and hour markers are coated with a luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow in the dark. The triangular zero marker is also visible in dark conditions thanks to a capsule that contains the same luminescent material.

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OMEGA

De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition This timepiece is Omega’s first Master Chronometer certified manual-winding central tourbillon — it features a specially crafted tourbillon cage that can rotate even under a magnetic field of 15 000 gauss. The tourbillon’s speed has also been set to one revolution per minute, which allows the display of seconds and is essential for achieving certification. The beautifully crafted piece features a sapphire crystal case-back, a threeday power reserve indicator, and gold bridges and mainplate that have been hand-bevelled. The strap is made from a classic black leather, while the lugs, bezel and case-back take on a contemporary look in rose gold.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Edition“Orlebar Brown”

IWC Schaffhausen has partnered with British fashion label Orlebar Brown to release a gorgeous new timepiece. The piece features a stainless-steel case, marine-blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and a red chronograph seconds hand — the use of blue and red are a reference to many of Orlebar Brown’s collections. A blue rubber strap completes the piece along with textile inlay and a custom Orlebar Brown buckle. While the piece really is beautiful, there is more to the design than the exterior — the watch can be used on land and water thanks to its robust construction and water-resistance, plus it boasts a power reserve of 68 hours.

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ZENITH El Primero 21

The El Primero 21 from Zenith is a celebration of the debut Ultimate Tennis Showdown tournament and the brand’s friendship with French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou. The special edition timepiece features a case and bezel made with the same carbon composite that is used to make professional tennis rackets. The partially open dial with closed chronograph counters and the Cordura-effect rubber strap are both designed in a shade of blue to match the tennis courts of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown tournament, while touches of yellow are applied in the same tone as a tennis ball. The bezel is engraved with words from Mouratoglou himself: “Little details make big differences”.

CARTIER Santos-Dumont

The Santos-Dumont watch in rose gold is one of a collection of classic Cartier designs. The timepiece has a high autonomy quartz movement. It features a lovely rose gold case, a beaded crown set with a cabochon-shaped sapphire, a satin-brushed silver dial with sunray effect, Roman numerals and blue-steel sword-shaped hands. The Santos collection was first launched in 1904 when Louis Cartier granted the wish of his friend, the well-known aviator Alberto Santos Dumont, to be able to tell the time while flying. With geometric shapes and exposed screws, Cartier created one of the first-ever wristwatches, which quickly rose to fame.

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HUBLOT

Big Bang Unico Sky Blue The brand-new offering from Hublot comes with a polished and satin-finished light blue ceramic case, as well as white fabric straps with a blue ceramic buckle clasp. For durability and protection, the ceramic that is used is ultra-tough and almost entirely scratchproof with a base of zirconium, which is sintered at very high temperatures. The soul of this watch is the ‘open heart’ design, which reveals its unique mechanisms, including a double coupling system and a column-wheel from the dial side. In order to improve reliability and robustness, the construction of the piece’s 330 components has been simplified as much as possible.

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BREITLING Chronomat BO1 42

This gorgeous timepiece from Breitling remains true to the essence of the 1984 legend from the same brand. One version of the Chronomat B01 42 has a 42-millimeter stainless-steel case with a choice of a silver, copper, or blue dial with black contrasting chronograph counters. It is also available with a black dial with silver contrasting chronograph counters. Each model is presented on a stainless-steel Rouleaux bracelet with a butterfly clasp. Water-resistant to a depth of 200 metres, this impressive piece has been designed with a chronometer-certified self-winding manufacture calibre, while the glass is produced with cambered sapphire, which has been glare-proofed on both sides.

TUDOR

Black Bay Fifty-Eight In keeping with their tradition of blue sports watches, Tudor recently released the Navy Blue version of its flagship model, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight. The timepiece takes its name from its colour, as well as the year 1958 in which Tudor’s first divers’ watch was launched with a blue dial and bezel. The new release pays homage to this historic watch in terms of aesthetics — the 39 mm case reflects the characteristic 1950s proportions, making it an ideal choice for those with slim wrists or those who like compact designs. Navy blue is also the dominant colour of the model’s fabric strap, which is woven on 19th century Jacquard looms by the French company Julian Faure.

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BELL & ROSS

Diver Blue Bronze

This limited edition timepiece from Bell & Ross features a blue dial with gold-plated applique indices, and gold-plated skeletonised Super-LumiNova filled hands. Water-resistant to depths of 300 metres, it’s a dive watch that certainly doesn’t compromise on style — straps are available in blue leather or rubber, while the buckle comes in satinpolished bronze. The collection also includes a model in matte black ceramic and plain blue. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEXUS 37

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LONGINES

Avigation Type A-7 1935

A reinterpretation of the Type A-7 model ordered by the US Air Force in 1935, this new version pays homage to Longines’ aviation heritage. The new Avigation model has adopted one of the original design features — to aid the handling of the watch whilst in the air, the fluted crown located at 12 o’clock enables control of the different chronograph functions by simply pressing a single push-piece. The piece features a beautiful matte black dial, which is adorned with Arabic numerals and a ‘train track’ chapter ring for optimal readability. Cathedral-type hands lend a distinct elegance to the watch, while the brown leather strap is a classic touch.

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ORIS

Carysfort Reef Limited Edition This beautifully crafted watch is the third piece that Oris has produced in support of coral restoration efforts. A limited edition, only 2000 pieces have been released as a celebration of the 30 000 corals that have been planted to date in partnership with the Coral Restoration Foundation in Florida. The stainless-steel case comes engraved with special coral engravings, and the watch can display the time in three time zones at once with the use of a 24-hour scale laser engraved into the ceramic bezel.

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TAG HEUER Carrera

Effortlessly chic, the new offering from TAG Heuer features a black and rose gold design. The calibre HEUER02 automatic movement for which the brand is known is housed in a 44mm steelpolished, fine-brushed case. Rose gold accents the piece from the hands and indexes to the crowns and push-pieces, while a black brushed dial sits beneath a sapphire crystal dome. The movement is designed with a vertical clutch and column wheel and boasts an 80-hour power reserve. The strap is made from black alligator leather, providing a look that is both sporty and elegant.

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RADO

Captain Cook Automatic Bronze Based on original Rado designs from the 1950s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s, this classy piece features vintage details and a beautiful colour palette of bronze, green, blue and brown. The use of bronze is a particularly lovely touch as the material changes over time, developing a patina that makes it unique to each wearer depending on their habits and the climate in which they live. An additional feature of the Captain Cook Bronze watch is a very fine layer of 23-carat gold plating, which is designed to avoid patination between the time that the watch is produced and the moment it reaches the wearerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrist.

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TISSOT

T-Touch Connect Solar Brand-new from Tissot, the T-Touch Connect Solar can be recharged by solar power and boasts a wide range of impressive functions. The beautiful timepiece features a 47 mm titanium case, along with a scratch-resistant and engraved ceramic bezel. Satin-finished surfaces, softened corners and a modern titanium bracelet culminate in a very chic design. There is also a choice of rubber strap for those who prefer a sportier style. With smartwatch functionality, the T-Touch Connect Solar is compatible with iOS, Android and Harmony operating systems. HM

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FROM FATHER TO SON SINCE 1760 250 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Available from www.skins.co.za

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Available from www.skins.co.za

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The Summit of Style Everest of

Elegance This is the story of Patek Philippe. BY THEA BECKMAN

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The dawn of Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is many things. It's a luxury Swiss watchmaker of show-stopping timepieces. It is a tireless innovator and a fashion statement. It is a notable investment and recordsetting purchase. But above all of these things, Patek Philippe is a living and breathing icon of culture, fashion, and horology. In the world of luxury timepieces, Patek Philippe is the summit, the Mount Everest. With a heritage steeped in state-of-the-art complications and elegant designs, Patek Philippe has been making an impact in the world of haute horlogerie since its very conception. In fact, of the 10 most expensive watches ever sold at auctions, worldwide, seven were Patek Philippe! So let's take a look through the archives to discover some of the brand's glittering highlights over the decades.

The story of Patek Philippe began in 1839 when Antoine Norbet de Patek, a manufacturer and trader of expensive pocket watches, and Czech-born, Polish master watchmaker Francois Czapek joined forces and founded Patek, Czapek & Cie. The two made a formidable team and soon established themselves as craftsmen and retailers of superb quality watches, many pieces of which exist today as important artefacts of horology. These can be seen in the King Farouk Collection at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, Switzerland.

Antoine Norbet de Patek and Jean Adrien Philippe (right)

Meanwhile, French horologist Jean Adrien Philippe was making a name for himself as an inventor, and in 1844, won a bronze medal for his keyless winding and hand-setting system at the Industrial Exposition in Paris. It was, in fact, at this very expo that Patek met Philippe, who would one year later become head watchmaker at Patek & Co. In 1851, Philippe was made full partner and thus the iconic brand Patek Philippe & Co. was born.

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An era of firsts

The marriage of Patek's nose for quality and Philippe's talent for engineering is what ignited the watch company's early successes. In 1868, Patek Philippe & Co. crafted the first ever-Swiss wristwatch, a dazzling creation of ornate gold carvings and diamonds, which was sold to Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. By the 1880s, Patek Philippe had submitted patents for a precision regulator, as well as a perpetual

The first half of the 1900s racked up a dizzying array of firsts for Patek Philippe: In 1916, they made the first ladies' wristwatch with a five-minute repeater; in 1923, the first split-seconds chronograph wristwatch; and in 1925, the first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar.

A changing of the guard

In 1932, however, following the Great Depression, Patek Philippe was acquired by Swiss brothers Charles and Jean Stern

From left: the first Swiss wristwatch which was sold to Countess Koscowicz of Hungary; the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first perpetual calendar wristwatch; the Calatrava launch in 1932; the first Golden Ellipse; and the Sky Moon Tourbillon (2001)

calendar mechanism for pocket watches (one that takes into account the varying length of the months and leap years and so never needs to be corrected). They then went on to innovate the first double chronograph, which featured two separate stopwatch mechanisms. Of course, these functions are more than just ubiquitous in today's timepieces; they're expected. But so many of the most important evolutions in watchmaking history began as "I wonder if we couldâ&#x20AC;Ś" in Patek Philippe's workshop.

whose business had previously supplied them with watch dials. But rather than hamper the company's skyward-bound trajectory, the changing of hands injected a surge of fresh inspirations and designs. It was this momentum that carried Patek Philippe forward into the ensuing decades, producing record-breaking innovation after innovation from the 'Graves' super-complication pocket watch (the most complicated mechanical pocket watch ever made) to the Ref. 5303 Minute Repeater Tourbillon, a spectacular piece of micro-machinery launched in 2019.

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Left: the Ref. 5303 Minute Repeater Tourbillon; right; the Ref. 5270 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph; and opposite: the Ref. 5370 Split-Seconds Chronograph

Modern offerings from Patek Philippe

2020 has thus far seen three new releases from the Swiss watchmaker. The Ref. 5303 Minute Repeater Tourbillon is a truly stunning timepiece specifically crafted for connoisseurs of striking watches. To call it merely a “watch” feels like an insult, so seductively gorgeous, elegant, and intriguing is the design, which features a rose-gold case, skeleton dial showing its inner mechanisms, and white-gold intarsias engraved with foliage motifs. Another model making waves, available since 2018 in platinum, is the Ref. 5270 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which has, this year, been launched in a yellow-gold case. With a concave bezel and fluted lugs, the traditional design is truly timeless and packed with six patented innovations by Patek Philippe. In a sense, this timepiece is an ode to

the company’s innumerable achievements. First launched in 2015 with a platinum case and black enamel dial, the Ref. 5370 Split-Seconds Chronograph now displays a new face with a blue Grand Feu enamel dial, made by hand on the basis of an 18K gold dial plate.

A metaphor for timeless luxury

Since 1851, Patek Philippe's impeccable craftsmanship, microengineering perfection, and ceaseless evolution have managed to cultivate a reputation that is practically a metaphor for timeless luxury. And in no way is this better reflected than in the company's motto… "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation." HM

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Introducing

THE HANGANG LIMITED EDITION

BY ORIS

here is a deeprooted commitment to environmental conservation at Oris, a Swiss manufacturer of luxury mechanical watches. And in few ways is this more ardently conveyed than with the brand's "Change for the Better" campaign, funds for which have been generated through a series of limited edition Oris Aquis diver's watches. This year, however, Oris has partnered with Seoul KFEMâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Korean Federation for Environmental Movementsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to draw attention to South Korea's most important, yet tragically polluted river: the Hangang River, which supplies water to the 10 million inhabitants of the country's capital, Seoul.

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SHIMMERING HUES INSPIRED BY THE SOURCE OF THE HANGANG RIVER The fruit of the collaboration between the KFEM and Oris is the magnificent Hangang Limited Edition watch, of which only 2,000 timepieces have been crafted. Based on Oris's high-performance Aquis diver's watch, the Hangang Edition boasts an emerald ceramic bezel insert and shimmering gradient dial that have been inspired by the vivid hues of the water at the Hangang River's source. The watch shares a performance profile with the Oris Aquis diver's watch with its multi-piece stainless steel case, sapphire top glass (domed on both sides with antireflective coating inside), water-resistance of up to 30 bar (or 300 meters), and a power reserve of 38 hours. On the case back, owners of this coveted, limitededition timepiece will discover a gorgeous engraving of the Hangang River map.

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THE CHOPS TO SERVE AS ENVIRONMENTAL AMBASSADOR Other features and functions of the Oris Hangang Limited Edition watch include centre hands for hours and minutes, a continuous seconds hand at 9 o'clock, an unusual circular date window with white indicator, a date corrector, and a fine timing device and stopsecond. Precision performance, arresting aesthetics, and powerful, durable functioning: it takes a statement of a watch to serve as ambassador to such a weighty environmental issue as the pollution of the Hangang River in the Korean capital of Seoul. And yet, Oris could scarcely have manifested a more beautiful timepiece to get the job done than the Hangang Limited Edition. HM

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Introducing the

BLACK ROSE Collection The Black Rose collection showcases the alluring contrast of black and white diamonds in an elegant rose gold setting. This compelling combination of colours creates a dramatic yet feminine look which adds depth to your day and sparkle to your night.

18ct Rose Gold Claw & Channel Set Black & White Diamond Ring Features a 3.18ct centre diamond with 0.98ct side diamonds. WAS R 113 990 NOW R 59 995

bellagio_jewellers

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PRACTICAL

Magi

Tool watches that perform other functions beyond telling the time continue to evolve in style and service.

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Watch aficionados may know that the first purpose-built wristwatch was created in 1904 by Louis Cartier in response to his pilot friend’s request for something that made it easier to tell time in flight. The Santos de Cartier, named after Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, is a legend in itself. What many don’t know is that women inspired the concept of a tool watch. FHH Journal reveals that “in 1571 Queen Elizabeth I of England was given a watch on an armlet by Robert Dudley, while in 1810 Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, received a wristwatch made by Abraham-Louis Breguet. Both were tool watches, purpose-built to proudly tell the time on royal wrists.” Meanwhile, men had to be satisfied with pocket watches. Now the genre has evolved to encompass watches used in diving, motor racing, sailing, running, flying, climbing and rescue work, to name a few.

OMEGA

gic

The new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 in stainless steel reintroduces the Calibre 321 movement that powered the first watch worn on the Moon. You can admire it through the sapphire crystal caseback when you’re not transfixed by the dial detail that references the historic piece. In 1965, when astronaut Edward White became the first American to walk in space, he was wearing the Speedmaster ST 105.003. OMEGA’s latest offering takes inspiration from that famous model. The 39.70 mm case in stainless steel features a bezel ring in polished black ceramic with a tachymeter scale in white enamel. Gracing the black step dial are the familiar Moonwatch hands, small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, and central chronograph hand.

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Rolex

The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex is a chronograph designed for endurance racing drivers. This supreme timing tool features a bezel with an engraved tachymetric scale for measuring average speeds of up to 400 kilometres per hour. 18 carat yellow gold with a champagnecolour and black dial, and an Oysterflex bracelet. Black Cerachrom bezel and engraved tachymetric scale.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN People buy a chronograph for the function and the look. IWC’s Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph is a nautical sports watch that is both hardy and elegant. It features six-bar water-resistance. Stainless steel case, self-winding; blue dial with luminescence.

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MOSER & CIE

The Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic successfully replicates the Moser & Cie signature style – the purest line and effortless inclusion of a complex movement. This understated piece is designed as a chronograph that displays the time rather than a watch that features a chronograph. The minimalist central display has no subdial. Water-resistant to 120m. A minimalist dial with a domed surface and recessed side, steel bracelet.

Breitling

Breitling’s Superocean Heritage line is an ode to a diving icon. A tribute to the iconic 1957 model, this year’s Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 44 is water-resistant to 200m. Stainless steel and 18K red gold case. This Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 44 features an ultra-hard, scratchproof high-tech ceramic bezel and steel mesh bracelet, with a chronometer-certified selfwinding Manufacture calibre.

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BELL & ROSS

The BR 03-92 Diver Full Lum features a dial coated with paint containing green Superluminova® C5 pigments, which complements the green Superluminova® C3 of the indices and numerals. This green-on-green contrast ensures that the time indications are readable at 25cm in the dark. Limited edition of 999 pieces. Matt black ceramic case with a rotating ceramic bezel with a 60-minute scale. Water resistance: 300 metres.

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Zenith

The Chronomaster Revival Shadow is based on an unknown black Zenith chronograph prototype from 1970, recently discovered in the archives. Design features include the tachymetric scale, a central chronograph hand, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. The hands and applied markers are filled with white SuperLuminova that emits a bright green glow in the dark. Microblasted titanium case, original 1969 case with 37 mm diameter.

TAG HEUER

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer is a professional sports watch, designed for any lifestyle and condition. This Aquaracer has a stunning luminous mother-of-pearl dial that creates an eye-catching light display with its sunray effect. You know it’s an Aquaracer by the 12-facet bezel with built-in riders for unidirectional, easy turning. That means no risk of incorrectly estimating the amount of remaining dive time. Water-resistant to 300 metres. The case is anti-reflective, decorated with elegant diamond hour markers.

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ITALIAN DESIGN FLAIR meets SWISS WATCHMAKING EXPERTISE Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotechâ&#x201E;¢ - 44 MM

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uxury Italian watch manufacturer, Panerai continues its bold evolution with a striking new interpretation: the Luminor Marina Carbotech™ – 44 mm. A part of the brand’s relaunch of its Luminor Marina collection, this timepiece marks a decisive and evocative aesthetic change with its Carbotech™ case, Sandwich™ dial, and blue Super-LumiNova™ markings.

A MARRIAGE OF DISTINCTION AND DURABILITY This latest Luminor Marina model overturns convention, in that for the first time the collection combines Carbotech™, the high-performance composite material developed by Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee, and the iconic Sandwich™ dial with vibrant touches of blue. The marriage of the two is a highly distinctive aesthetic that is wholly unique (created by the irregular texture of the Carbotech™) and remarkably tough, resistant to external shocks and corrosion, and lightweight at only 96 grams.

The Luminor Marina Carbotech™ features the collection’s well-known movement, the P.9010 calibre. Additionally, this watch has a power reserve of three days; water-resistant to 30 bar (a depth of about 300 metres); and is supplied with a strap in Panerai Sportech™ (a black, water-resistant, rubber-like material with blue sewing) and a second strap in black rubber. Impressive features aside, it’s the history of Panerai and its beginnings as an innovator of naval technology that gives the new collection some thrilling context.

HIGH-END TIMEPIECES INSPIRED BY NAVAL TECHNOLOGY Founded in 1860 as a workshop, shop, and school of watchmaking in Florence, Italy, Panerai has for many decades supplied the Italian Navy with precision instruments. But the designs developed during that time—including the Luminor and Radiomir—were shrouded in mystery by the Military Secrets Act. It was only in 1997, when the Richemont Group, a Switzerland-based luxury goods holding company, acquired Panerai that these designs were launched on the international market. Today Panerai develops and crafts its movements and watches at its Neuchâtel Manufacture in Switzerland, turning out timepieces that are a seamless melding of Italian design flair and history with Swiss horological expertise. HM

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lexus.co.za

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The sky is the limit when it comes to the artistry and craftsmanship portrayed in watch designs that take inspiration from nature.

BY DEBBIE HATHWAY

“There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.” Author Linda Hogan’s writing resonates, particularly in the middle of a pandemic that has made time practically stand still. While its effects are wreaking havoc with humans, Mother Nature is enjoying some respite. Meanwhile, she continues to inspire artists in various mediums as she’s done for centuries.

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Bulgari

Imagine the delicacy of the instrument and the sensitivity of the hand responsible for perfectly setting the peacock feather on the dial of Bulgari’s Divas’ Dream. As much an ode to Bulgari’s insistence at using unusual materials and bright colours, it’s also a symbol of confidence, beauty, strength and courage. 8K rose gold case, 18K rose gold bezel and fan-shaped links both set with brilliantcut diamonds, with a natural peacock feather dial. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEXUS 75

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Piaget

Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bounty is perfectly encapsulated in Piagetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Limelight Gala, a collection that includes models with mother-of-pearl dials, dazzling diamonds and alligator straps. In 2020, Piaget celebrates the extraordinary. Women will love the Limelight Gala watches with blue sapphire gradient on the case and aventurine glass dial. 18K white gold case set with 20 brilliant-cut diamonds and 22 sapphires.

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Chopard

Chopard creates a beautiful piece incorporating the peony every year. The dial of the eight-piece limited edition L.U.C XP Esprit by Fleurier Peony features the know-how of the maison’s Mains d’art (artistic hands) who are expert at gold engraving, transfer printing and mother-of-pearl cutting. There are many symbolic meanings associated with the peony, but generally it represents honour, the ability to say sorry, and a woman’s beauty. 18-carat rose gold case with hand-painted peony decorations. Peony crafted in white mother-of-pearl and butterfly engraved in 18-carat rose gold.

Breguet

Breguet’s Marine High Jewellery wristwatch features a mother-ofpearl dial with 85 baguette-cut gems illustrating the Posidonia. This seagrass, also known as Neptune grass, is believed to be tenthousands of years old. It is only found in the Mediterranean Sea. This timepiece is available in a diamond version with Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial or a ruby, blue sapphire or emerald version with a white mother-of-pearl dial. 18-carat white gold set with 270 gems. The bezel is set with 60 baguette-cut gems.

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Cartier

The Panthère de Cartier watch features the emblematic creature that has inspired the maison’s creations since 1914. Its depiction has evolved with time and the development of artistic craftsmanship. Recommended for wearers who resonate with the black cat’s wild yet strong character, this piece features an 18K yellow gold panther head, pear-shaped tsavorite eyes and black lacquer spots. 18K yellow gold case set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds.

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Graff

The Mastergraff GyroGraff Endangered Species 48mm rhino dial in white gold with diamond bezel really speaks for itself. Part of a collection showcasing five rare species, this timepiece provides the canvas for the abstract depiction of this statuesque member of the Big Five with diamond marquetry intricately set on an aventurine dial. Skeletonised hands, hand-carved moonphase, 3D moonphase indicator and double-axis tourbillon.

Blancpain

Blancpain’s Villeret Women Quantième Phases de Lune is anchored in its heritage of combining fine watchmaking and fine jewellery in its feminine collection. The Villeret is a limited-edition timepiece and is devoted to the celebration of love using a mother-of-pearl dial to showcase cotton candy shades evoking a heaven-like backdrop. 8 brilliant-cut diamonds serve as hour-markers with red gold numerals marking 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock.

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FOR THE LOVE OF DIAMONDSÂ BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

PHOTOGRAPH: THREADS DIAMOND EARRINGS

Graff was established in 1960 and has since evolved into a hallmark of luxury and innovation.

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Born of passionÂ

Laurence Graff has always been fascinated with diamonds and was just 18 years old when he founded his first company. He was working as an apprentice alongside an

PHOTOGRAPH: THE BUTTERFLY COLLECTION

Today Graff is known for its one-ofa-kind jewels and stunning jewellery collections. Started by a young man with a passion for diamonds, the house has since earned a global reputation for exceptionally beautiful and rare stones.

experienced jeweller at the time and suggested that they set up a business to repair Victorian jewellery. From a young age, Graff created unique diamond rings before he began to work with other stones, including emeralds, rubies and sapphires. In 1960, he opened Graff Diamonds, and just two years later, two retail stores opened in London. The industry at the time was generally quite conventional, and Graff spent much of his time coming up with ideas for more adventurous pieces, making a name for himself as something of a maverick in the business of jewellery.

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PHOTOGRAPH: THE BUTTERFLY COLLECTION

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Going globalÂ

In 1967, driven by a desire to share his designs more widely, Graff began to arrange exhibitions around the world, and so it was through that exposure that the company started to enjoy global success. The first store outside of the United Kingdom was opened in 2000 at Hotel de Paris in Monaco. Now, Graff has over 50 stores worldwide, from Tokyo and Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi, Geneva and New York.

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A lasting loveÂ

Graff may have had humble beginnings, but a genuine passion for diamonds and the jewellery business has seen the company grow into what is now a giant in the industry. It is said that Laurence Graff has handled more important diamonds than any other diamantaire of our time and his love for beautiful stones has remained steadfast through the decades â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he has been reported as saying that he feels like the luckiest man in the world because he gets to see diamonds every day. And this love extends to his clientele who, according to Mr. Graff, become a part of his family when they take his jewels home. As such, Graff remains a family business and his son Francois has taken on the reins as CEO.

Francois Graff. Photograph by Shu Tomioka

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Latest creations

Graff continues to offer stunning jewellery collections using the world’s finest diamonds and gems. This year sees vivid colours taking centre stage — yellow diamonds, for which the company is so well-known, are a highlight. The Graff yellow diamond necklace is a true celebration of this gorgeous, intensely coloured stone — a row of alternating pear shape, oval and round stones encircles the neck, forming an elegant drop. The yellow diamonds are radiant-cut

diamonds that have a total carat weight of 97.86-carats. White diamonds, emeralds and sapphires also lend an intensity to some very striking pieces. The sapphire and diamond earrings have a distinctly modern aesthetic and are set with 39.78-carats of Burmese unheated sapphires and 13.85-carats of diamonds to form a delicate web of stones, while the Sugarloaf Colombian emerald and diamond ring features custom-cut diamonds that are set to frame a 12.78-carat Colombian emerald in a dramatic and sculptural high jewellery ring.

Cultivating hope

The Graff Foundation recently donated one million US dollars to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the World Health Organisation. The donation will assist with critical work in tracking and understanding the spread of the virus and making sure that frontline workers have the essential supplies that they need. So far, the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund has shipped PPE to 75 countries, supplied almost 1.8 million diagnostic kits to 126 countries, and supported a number of drug trials. HM www.graff.com

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eve nts

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Outrageous BY

DESIGN

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most lauded jewellers create heirlooms steeped in heritage and artistic know-how. There is no limit to the femininity and fluidity their pieces can radiate, albeit through hard shapes and metals. BY DEBBIE HATHWAY

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Cartier CARTIER

Cartier is a name that the world immediately associates with pure luxury. They're wellknown for their beautifully crafted jewellery, fine jewellery, watches and perfumes. An all-round powerhouse in the industry, they often push boundaries in creativity, always resulting in exquisite artistry. The motif of this PanthĂ¨re de Cartier necklace in 18K rose gold and black lacquer, set with one tsavorite garnet and 19 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.07 carats, is 33.4 mm wide, 4.22 mm thick and 11.4 mm long. The miniature replica of Louis Cartier's famous panther, inspired by his close collaborator and muse, Jeanne Toussaint, is an ode to the artistry of the maison. Toussaint, who was Cartier's creative director in 1933, inspired the artistic portrayal of the unforgettable feline in mood, personality and physicality. In every new rendition, the Cartier panther appears more and more realistic. www.cartier.com

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Faberge FABERGÉ

The House of Fabergé was first founded in Russia in 1842 by Gustav Fabergé. This world-renowned name is well-known for its high jewellery, gemstones and timepieces. Its claim to fame to date, however, is undoubtedly the Fabergé egg. The egg represents a playful interpretation of the brand’s unique heritage crafted out of gold, diamonds, enamel and gemstone pendants and opens to reveal a miniature surprise inside. Fabergé has always loved colour. True to their heritage, they almost always include coloured gemstones in their pieces. The Fabergé Emotion Collection is a superb example. Craftsmen have meticulously cut the white diamond and coloured gems to the perfect size for the best hues and presentation. Powerful and bold, the collection explores Bohemian, Impressionist and Fauvist views of how intense colour impacts emotion. www.faberge.com

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Graff GRAFF

Based in London with boutiques all over the world, Graff specialises in exquisite design and craftsmanship of luxury jewellery and watches. “The House of Graff stands for the finest, the rarest and only the very best stones.” Laurence Graff. The skill of a master craftsman can be assessed by how well they mimic reality, melding hard materials and stones into something that conveys emotion. The admirer can feel the tenderness between parrots in this enchanting brooch of pink and white diamonds, with onyx and sapphire accents. It’s one of Graff ’s most charming figurative brooches inspired by flora and fauna. Pink pavé diamonds form the feathers while tendrils of marquise white diamonds decorate their white diamond perch. www.graff.com

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Chopard CHOPARD

Chopard is a Swiss manufacturer and retailer of fine jewellery and timepieces. The brand dates back to 1860, and every year that passes by sees Chopard present original, timeless pieces over and over again. Eccentric, brave, delicate and magnificent describe Chopard perfectly. The Red Carpet Love Collection necklace is 18-carat white gold and titanium set with heart-shaped tanzanites, brilliant-cut Paraiba tourmalines, brilliant-cut diamonds, pear-shaped tanzanites and brilliant-cut amethysts. This outstanding piece is coupled with matching earrings and a ring. Chopard president Caroline Scheufele says of all the gemstones the most unique one will always be the diamond. Thanks to her direction and the virtuosity of the Chopard artisans, this collection highlights that rarity with an extraordinary collection. www.chopard.com

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Bulgari BULGARI

Jewellery, watches, fragrances and accessories and moreâ&#x20AC;Ś Bulgari has covered all bases and has perfected its craft in manufacturing exceptional quality across the board. Bulgari's expert craftsmen combine layered gem setting, varied diamonds, lustre, volume and a "touch of creative folly" to produce this avant-garde take on the bib. The Roman jeweller knows just how to use unexpected shapes, interflowing lines, optical effects and audacity to create masterpieces that are mai troppo (never too much). This Baroque-style piece showcases natural fancy pink sapphires and Paraiba tourmalines to provide contrast for the first time, woven together by gold arabesques. www.bulgari.com

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cal flair

In South Africa, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to gorgeous gems and stones. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve rounded up some of our favourite jewellers, all of whom have their roots firmly on local ground. BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

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CHARLES GREIG Clockmaker Charles Greig first opened his doors in Johannesburg in 1899. Now, what was once a humble store is a fifth-generation family business that designs, creates and sources jewellery and supplies an impressive selection of fine timepieces. They have also expanded their offering to three distinctive galleries and additional product ranges that reflect each of the Greig brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; individual creativity. These ranges include wildlife bronzes, lifestyle wares, ceramic art and sculpture. www.charlesgreig.co.za IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEXUS 99

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TANUR COLLECTION Located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Tanur Collection offers an exquisite range of exclusive jewellery pieces and international watch brands, as well as loose diamonds and tanzanite. All of the diamonds, tanzanite, precious and semi-precious stones are graded for authenticity and originate from a conflict-free source. Their selection also includes a collection of unique African pieces which are designed to capture the spirit of our continent and make for lovely gifts and keepsakes. The Tanur team also offers a range of services including design and make-up, allowing clients the opportunity to have their choice of stones transformed into a custom jewellery piece. One of the latest limitededition offerings from Tanur is a series of beautiful white gold baguette and round diamond rings, which can be worn individually or as a set. www.tanur.co.za

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BELLAGIO With stores in Johannesburg and Durban as well as online, Bellagio Jewellers offers a number of stunning jewellery collections as well as high-end watches from international brands. They also have a specialised jewellery design studio and manufacturing division, which is dedicated to creating unique and personal pieces at their clients’ request. Their jewellery range includes a striking selection of pieces in which black diamonds take centre stage for a very distinct and elegant look. The rose gold black and white diamond ring has caught our eye, which forms part of the Black Rose Collection — striking black diamonds are embraced by a glittering rose gold and diamond halo. They also have a number of new black diamond pieces on offer, including stunning pendants, earrings and rings. www.bellagiojewellers.co.za

UWE KOETTER With a design philosophy that celebrates uniqueness and diversity, Uwe Koetter creates beautiful bespoke jewellery. The client fully guides the bespoke process, and the team at Uwe Koetter provides computeraided designs and 3D prints to ensure that the final product fully lives up to expectations. Their Spirited Collection is one which really captures the essence of the brand — it’s a celebration of confidence, bravery and hope. The diamond and topaz cocktail ring is inspired by the wings of a crane with sweeping feathers encrusted with precious stones. The collection also includes topaz feather stud earrings, a topaz feather pendant, and topaz feather drop earrings. The jewellers also have striking Fabergé fine jewellery egg pendants in a range of shades of guilloche enamel, including red, royal blue, turquoise and rose. www.uwekoetter.com

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ELEGANCE JEWELLERS Founded in 1967 as a family business, Elegance Jewellers has grown into one of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading fine jewellery merchants. They offer a curated collection of local and international designs, including their own signature handcrafted lines of jewellery â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nom Nom, Love Teddy, Gi!, Katherine May and Mat Mav. Their Nom Nom range was designed to tell a story with personalised combinations of charms and gems can be chosen to create bracelets, necklaces and rings that symbolise memories and milestones. It all started with a clover and has evolved to include an array of charms in yellow gold, rose gold and silver, as well as a diamond range of charms. www.ejewels.co.za

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JENNA CLIFFORD Established in 1992, Jenna Clifford is a family-owned business that specialises in bespoke commissioned jewellery designs and remodelling. Each piece is made locally, and there is an emphasis on ethical sourcing, as well as deeply personal relationships with clients who seek a unique piece. Besides commissions, Jenna Clifford has a number of beautiful fine jewellery collections as well as a homeware collection with pieces crafted in pewter, glass and stainless steel. Each of Jenna Cliffordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs has a distinctly creative essence and feature precious materials like tanzanite, topaz, diamonds, gold and pearls, to name a few. www.jennaclifford.com IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEXUS 103

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GAME FACE

The sporting relationship between the world of golf and Swiss luxury watch manufacturers. BY THEA BECKMAN

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ife on the links is about as leisurely as it gets in a highly competitive sport (which explains why it takes aÂ realÂ golfing enthusiast to endure a four-day PGA tournament on TV). But while the sport's biggest players tend to look cool and casual, as though they've walked onto the fairway straight from a day at the spa, there is an underlying tension and cool calculatedness about them. Like a luxury Swiss timepiece, golfing is a masterful blend of art and science and each drive, a spring-wound release of muscular precision. Players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Sergio Garcia are all masters of the game, but there are two even bigger names in the golfing industry; names that have been around for decades and who continue to carve a path onwards and upwards. Those players are Rolex and OMEGA, and this is a story of their love affair with golf.

Rollin' with Rolex

Since the early 1900s, luxury Swiss watchmaker Rolex has been crafting highend timepieces, garnering a reputation that has made it a timeless fixture of fashion and popular culture. Today, Rolex is ubiquitous at the most prestigious sailing, motorsport, equestrian, tennis, and, of course, golf tournaments. From the U.S. Open and the Open Championship to the Masters Tournament and DP World Tour Championship, the Swiss watch manufacturer is a part of many of the top professional golfing competitions every year.

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Rolex also adorns the wrists of top golfers Jordan Spieth, who wears a Rolex Explorer II and "Pepsi" GMT Master II; Justin Thomas, who wears a YachtMaster and Daytona; and Tiger Woods, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest golfers of all time. At the tender age of 21, Tiger Woods won the U.S. Masters at the revered Augusta National Golf Club (and with a record score, too). He was also the first golfer in history to hold all four professional majors at the same time. You'll find Woods wearing the Deepsea D-Blue Dial, a natural choice considering his other passion for ocean diving.

Golfing's alpha dogs (and OMEGA) Another heavy hitter in the golfing industry is OMEGA, a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1848 and based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Since 2011, OMEGA has recorded every second of the PGA Championship and can be found glinting off the wrists of top golfers like Sergio Garcia. He has not only spent most of his two-decadal career ranked among the world's top 10 golfers but is also the most successful Ryder Cup golfer in history. Garcia's timepiece of choice is the OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra "Golf" (below).Â

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Another formidable name with whom OMEGA has paired up is Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who won the British Open's $8,000,000 purse while wearing his Seamaster Aqua Terra 150 M OMEGA CoAxial GMT 43 MM. He then partnered with OMEGA to design his very own watch model, a unique timepiece based on the original Speedmaster '57 and featuring a golfinspired dial design. Last but by no means least is Michelle "Big Wiesy" Wie, whose favourite OMEGA timepiece is the De Ville Prestige Butterfly.

Michelle “Big Wiesy” Wie and (left) Rory McIlroy

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Rolex and OMEGA aren't the only ones

Outside of the hallowed halls of Rolex and OMEGA, several ultra-high-end brands are involved with and are actively elevating the game of golf (not to mention the aesthetics of its practitioners). TAG Heuer is one and has a line of smartwatches specifically designed for golfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;such as the TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition smartwatch. These have merged the Google ecosystem and the TAG Heuer sports app, allowing golfers to measure their stats, without sacrificing an inch of style and status.Â

Dustin Johnson

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Hublot is another luxury Swiss watch manufacturer that has ambassadors in golf; namely Dustin Johnson, a PGA Tour golfer who, from February 2017, spent 64 consecutive weeks ranked as the world number one golfer. Johnson wears the Hublot Big Bang Unico golf watch, the world's first mechanical watch created for golf. Powered by an in-housemade movement and made to be ultra-lightweight, the watch enables golfers to calculate their scores on the course and features an aperture that displays the scores per hole.

A lasting contribution to global culture

When you consider the common goal the luxury Swiss watch brands like Rolex, OMEGA, TAG Heuer, and Hublot share with the world's best golfersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the pursuit of excellenceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it only makes sense that the two would come together. But, more than adding a distinctive touch of high-end style to the various golfing superheroes we know and love, these brands' sponsorships have made a unique and lasting contribution to global culture through sports. HM

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LEXUS PREMIERES NEW LS

Advanced Evolution IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEXUS 113

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Three decades after the debut of the firstgeneration Lexus LS in 1989, Lexus is still on its mission of setting a new standard for luxury vehicles – a goal that has brought levels of luxury, comfort and serenity that to this day redefines luxury vehicle refinement. Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver Akio Toyoda positions the LS – in all its generations – as “a model that gives rise to transformation through the spirit of constant innovation and by providing new technologies and value for the times”. As the flagship sedan of the Lexus brand, the LS has cumulatively sold 87 million units, gaining popularity over a span of 31 years. The new sixth-generation LS builds on the daring coupe silhouette of the previous version dating back to 2017 with yet again improved levels of comfort, quiet operation and overall refinement and a range of new dynamic improvements dictated by the brand’s Lexus Driving Signature initiative. The new LS will feature Lexus Teammate, the

latest in advanced driving assist technologies. Lexus not only thoroughly honed essential fundamental vehicle performance to achieve levels of driving assist that provide occupants with an even higher sense of security but also incorporated AI technologies centred on deep learning for predicting and responding to various driving situations. The new LS will be available in Gin-ei Luster, an extraordinary silver, a new exterior panel colour that achieves deep shadows and robust highlights, enabled by new paint technology. On the inside, in addition to the use of a touchscreen for improved operability, Lexus paid uncompromising attention-to-detail through a collaboration involving traditional Japanese crafts such as Nishijin brocade and metal leaf decoration, creating a high-quality interior atmosphere only suitable for the Lexus flagship. “In pursuing high-quality driving performance, which is the starting point of the LS, Lexus thoroughly addressed every detail of the

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components and control systems related to driving performance, including quietness and ride comfort, ranging, for example, from the internal structure of the tyres to the feel experienced when sitting in the seats and the acceleration response in daily driving,” says Vice President of TSAM Marketing and Lexus Sales, Glenn Crompton. The current Lexus LS 500 and F-Sport are powered by a 3.5 litre V6 offering 310 kW and 600 Nm, and Lexus plans to extend the local range with the introduction of the new LS. Furthermore, improved initial engine torque at often-used driving speeds leads to greater acceleration response. Improved shift timing and a wider acceleration range for each gear have resulted in less-frequent downshifts. These improvements make possible driving that is powerful and with room to spare. Lexus Teammate driving assist greatly improves the fundamental vehicle performance of the new LS, resulting in the further evolution of the high-quality driving experience expected of a brand flagship. This includes: • Newly developed Adaptive Variable Suspension • Increased battery assist during acceleration at often-used driving speeds in the LS 500h • Improved initial engine torque at often-used

driving speeds in the LS 500 petrol version for greater acceleration response • Improved shift timing and a wider acceleration range for each gear for less-frequent downshifts • Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning for improved quietness. • Additional highlights of Lexus Teammate include improved driving capabilities such as keeping the vehicle in its lane, maintaining vehicle-to-vehicle distance, lane splits, changing lanes, and overtaking when driving on highways and normal roads. Fundamental vehicle performance was honed so that the driver would feel secure in leaving driving to the vehicle. The driver is freed from operation of the accelerator, brakes, and steering, allowing a reduction in driver burden on long drives and enabling safe driving in which the driver can pay better attention to the surroundings. These advances are part of the aim of Lexus to provide a safe and secure mobility experience that is considerate of people’s sensibilities. This system will appear first in the Japanese market for possible adoption, later in other markets- specifications will vary for each market. There will also be a few subtle aesthetic changes made to the new LS, both inside and out. The new Lexus LS, to be unveiled in Japan late this year, is expected to arrive in South Africa early in 2021. HM

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THE CRAFTSMANS H REVOLUTION Nothing is crafted like a Lexus Lexus uses the latest technology to design and build its cars, but people remain at the heart of everything they do.

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HIP

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rue to their proud status as a human-focused company, Lexus relies on the skills of its Takumi craftspeople to achieve the finest quality and luxury standards. These dedicated artisans have talents beyond compare, and they lead and train the men and women who bring a very special quality to every Lexus that’s built.

Traditions in a high-tech world

Inside a Lexus factory you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced technology at work. But every bit as important as the robots and lasers are skills and techniques that date back centuries and which could never be replicated by a machine. When it comes to achieving perfect quality and a flawless finish, it’s the judgement of the human hand, eye and ear that count. These are the talents of the Takumi, craftspeople who have dedicated their lives to developing particular skills, and whose work is the defining factor in Lexus’s hand-crafted luxury.

Who are the Takumi?

The Takumi have a great heritage in Japanese history as a master craftsperson. Even today, achieving Takumi status takes years of dedication and training, with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. At Lexus, each Takumi has a minimum of 30 years’ experience, giving them an unmatched depth of knowledge in their field. To bear the name is the highest honour among the ranks of engineers and it’s a privilege held by only a few: of the 7,700 workers at Lexus’s Miyata factory, just 19 are Takumi.

Training people, training robots

Every Takumi has a responsibility to pass on their skills to the next generation, ensuring that essential talents are maintained. But just as much as they teach their human colleagues, they also contribute to designing better robots. The Takumi provide vital insights when it comes to designing automated processes, to help gain the best results. For example, the motion of an automated paint-spraying arm matches

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the sweeping arm movement of a human master craftsperson.

Touch-sensitive

The Lexus Takumi have a legendary sense of touch, and they use this sensitivity to detect the slightest imperfections, down to fractions of a millimetre – a level of accuracy a machine cannot match. More than that, a machine can only find flaws it is programmed to detect, making the sharp eyes and fine fingers of the Takumi even more crucial.

Motomachi masters

Motomachi is the home of Lexus’ LC flagship coupe, where eight Takumi lead quality teams that check every step in the car’s production. For example, when the bodywork has been stamped and welded together, a master craftsperson checks everything is perfectly aligned by sight and touch. There are more than 800 individual checks to be made, combining human sense with electronic tools.

At the other end of the production line, the finished car moves into a futuristic light-filled glass booth to undergo a detailed inspection by two of the factory’s most skilled craftspeople, covering 700 different checkpoints. They scrutinise details that even customers might never notice, such as the precision finish of surfaces inside and out, the evenness of colour and the operation of every working part. All this takes place in complete silence: acute hearing is another Takumi skill so that any abnormal sounds can be picked up and their source traced.

Takumi at the wheel

The final stage before a Lexus leaves the factory and heads for its new owner is a test drive on a purpose-built track. Once again, it’s down to a craftsperson to ensure performance is exactly as it should be. Lexus relies on the master’s sensitive touch to assess feedback through the steering wheel and ensure all parts are working properly.

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robotic milling technology cannot detect – and hand-polishes minute surfaces in specific directions to achieve the best reflective qualities. So crucial are his skills to the process, he actually worked with the LS’ design team to ensure the best outcome.

Flawless stitchwork

Painstaking design

The spindle grille has quickly become a key feature of every new Lexus design. Each one comes with a distinctive mesh pattern that adds to the car’s character and visual impact. Of course, computer-aided design plays its part in creating a sophisticated network of lines and shapes, but the precision touches are the work of the Lexus Takumi. Take the grille on the LS 500h flagship sedan as an example. Computer modelling set out the mesh pattern with reasonable accuracy, but a skilled modeller then individually adjusted the curved surface of 5,000 separate motifs to achieve precisely the right effect. The task took six months to complete.

Hand-made tools

Every Takumi needs the right tools for the job, and will even craft them themselves if necessary. That’s the case with Yasuhiro Nakashima, who spent 27 years learning and honing his craft – filing, shaping and polishing the metal moulds used to make the LS’ spindle grille. He has made his own, customised set of tools, including hand-made bamboo instruments to shape the finer details. The machines and processes used to make the mould are among the best available, but the perfect finish still requires a remarkable human skill. Nakashima refines surface smoothness to within a tenth of a millimetre – picking out imperfections even the best

The beautifully stitched seams of the leather upholstery inside a new Lexus may look simple and elegant, but they take tremendous skill to achieve. For a flawless finish, every stitch has to be precise, every time. Led by a Takumi, a dedicated and highly skilled team are responsible for the stitchwork, selected for their dexterity and attention to detail. Very few make the grade: there are just 12 in the team at Lexus’s Miyata factory. Every one of them has had to train at a stitching dojo – like a formal martial arts class – for three months, under the Takumi’s direction. Ten different techniques have to be mastered before they can progress to production work.

Hand-crafted woodwork

A wooden steering wheel is one of the traditional hallmarks of a luxury vehicle, but where Lexus’ shimamoku wood is concerned, the production is unique. Shimamoku has a distinctive pattern of ebony and grey graining that’s similar to exotic and rare timbers such as zebrano. It’s a combination of natural material and manmade techniques that creates an object that is both simple and complex – a quality the Japanese call shibumi. Sheets of wood less than 1mm thick are shaved from hardwood logs, then stained and treated to achieve a mottled effect. The sheets are stacked in alternating bands of contrasting colours, bonded with glue and clamped. Once set fast, the wood is sliced lengthways to create new layers with the special Shimamoku pattern. It’s a job that involves three different suppliers and 67 separate processes and takes 38 days to complete, with much skilled hand-work in bonding the veneers onto a solid wood form, sealing and polishing. HM

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LEXUS DESIGN AWARDS Lexus’ passion for design carries over in their annual Lexus Design Awards. First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Awards is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The awards seek to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for each finalist to work with a globally recognised designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar’s most important events.

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Sma rt W a tches The future is here (and WOW does it look good!) with these Swiss luxury smart watches. BY THEA BECKMAN

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few decades ago, smart watches were as alien a technology as hoverboards or laser beams. So futuristic were these devices considered that fictional characters like Dick Tracey, James Bond, and Captain Kirk were portrayed using them for all ultra-cool tasks like secretly taking pictures, making phone calls, and transmitting messages to the Starship Enterprise. Today, however, smart watches are almost as ubiquitous as smartphones, which is hardly surprising when you consider just how nifty they are. Smart watches come with an internet connection, heart rate monitor, step counter, GPS system, stopwatch, and alarms and alerts. They even allow you to tell the time! And who knows? In a few years, they’ll probably be able to make your coffee and give you a backrub too. Now, the dynamic world of the smart watch is getting a super sexy makeover by the world’s most adored fashion houses and Swiss luxury watchmakers. Here are some coveted smart watches that will not only make your pulse race with their sleek aesthetics but will measure it too!

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TAG HEUER CONNECTED Guided by a penchant for the avantgarde, TAG Heuer pushed the limits of design and technology to create its new generation of smart or ‘connected’ watches. With these elegant and stylish chronographs—which come in an array of TAG Heuer’s iconic designs—you can receive notifications from your paired devices, detailed weather forecasts, and calendar and meeting reminders. You can also listen to music, pay securely with a twist of your wrist (Google Pay not yet available in SA), translate languages, and record fitness sessions, and more. It’s like the Swiss army knife of technology, but on your wrist!

THE SUMMIT 2 BY MONTBLANC The new Montblanc Summit 2 is the perfect tool for a life of travel, fitness, and exploration. This smart watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, has a sapphire scratch-resistant glass cover, and a 1.2-inch full circle AMOLED display operated by ‘Wear’ OS by Google. The Summit 2’s features include a heart rate sensor, microphone, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC payment. Oh, and did we mention that it’s a damn good-looking timepiece, too?

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GARMIN MARQ® DRIVER MODERN TOOL WATCH With a Bible-length list of specifications, the Garmin MARQ® Driver Modern tool watch is the ultimate companion for people with a passion for racing. This purpose-built luxury smart watch offers preloaded access to more than 250 of the world’s most famous race tracks; a tachymeter and chronograph for timing cars and calculating speeds at the track; and allows you to keep in touch with your crew and family on race days and every day. The MARQ® Driver Modern tool watch comes in a hybrid titanium bracelet with silicone links and a domed sapphire lens.

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BREITLING EXOSPACE B55 YACHTING The Breitling Exospace B55 Yachting represents the balance of high-end luxury, immaculate precision, and a devotion to high-tech…but tailormade for pilots and yachtsmen. The Swiss luxury watchmaker’s first connected chronograph, the Exospace B55 Yachting is equipped with features like an electronic tachymeter, UTC world time, a “countdown/count-up” system, and a “chrono flight” and “chrono regatta” device for recording times, amongst other functions. This futuristic, hightech smart watch has a titanium case with rider-tab bezel, and a sturdy, sporty strap.

APPLE WATCH HERMES From the collaboration between Apple Watch and French luxury fashion company Hermès comes this dramatic collection of smart watches, the ultimate tool for a modern, sophisticated life. With a vast array of classic Hermès cases and straps to choose from—as well as the ability to choose your own custom combination— you can create your very own signature style. And, as with other luxury smart watches, the Apple Watch Hermès boasts the full suite of high-tech functions and connectivity, from activity tracking and phone notifications to GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and more.

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FREDERIQUE CONSTANT CLASSIC HYBRID MANUFACTURE “The Hybrid Manufacture is a prime example of what the watch industry can do to modernize itself while still paying tribute to the traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques.” — Niels Eggerding, Managing Director of Frédérique Constant The Classic Hybrid Manufacture by Frédérique Constant, Swiss luxury watchmaker, is a stunningly beautiful timepiece with a connected module allowing for a suite of advanced functions. These include activity tracking, sleep cycles and quality, world timer, and even dynamic coaching, which offers suggestions and information tailored to your personal activities and goals.

TIMELESS FASHION MEETS CUTTING-EDGE TECH No other nation in the world parallels the seamless art and science that is Swiss watchmaking. And the addition of cutting-edge technology only serves to elevate a product that is already stratospheric in calibre. The result? An item of personal fashion, lifestyle, and technology that even James Bond would forego a night with Brigitte Bardot for. HM

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Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who Bell & Ross

Cape Town: Murdocks, 122 Victoria Road, V&A Waterfront P: +27 (0)21 419 0302 W: www.murdocks.co.za Johannesburg: A: Shop 3 Nelson Mandela Square, Fifth St, Sandown, Sandton P: +27 (0)11 883 0666 W: www.bellross.com

Bellagio Jewellers

A: Bellagio, Shop 55 Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 883 6747 W: www.bellagiojewellers.co.za

Blancpain

Cape Town: Tanur Jewellers, Shop 147 Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront P: +27 (0)21 418 5524 Johannesburg: Elegance Jewellers Boutique, Sandton City Shopping Centre P: +27 (0)11 784 0047 W: www.blancpain.com

Breguet

Cape Town: Tanur Jewellers, Shop 147 Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront P: +27 (0)21 418 5524 Johannesburg: Elegance Jewellers, Grand Boutique, Melrose Arch P: +27 (0)11 684 1380 W: www.breguet.com

Breitling

P: +27 (0)87 822 2195 E: info@breitling.co.za W: www.breitling.com

Bulgari

Elegance Jewellers

A: Shop U77 Upper Level, Sandton City Shopping Centre, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 784 0012 W: www.ejewels.co.za

FabergĂ¨

A: Bulgari Boutique, Shop U28A/B, Sandton City Diamond Walk, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 883 1325 W: www.bulgari.com

A: Uwe Koetter, Shop 103, Level 1, Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town P: +21 (0)21 425 7770 W: www.faberge.com

Cartier

Franck Muller

Charles Greig

Frederique Constant

A: Shop U13, Diamond Walk Sandton City, 12 Alice Lane, Sandhurst, Sandton, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 666 2800 W: www.cartier.com

A: Shop 6224, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town P: +21 (0)21 418 4515 W: www.charlesgreig.co.za

Chopard

Cape Town: Chopard Boutique, Shop 7232 V&A Waterfront, New Link Mall P: +27 (0)21 421 4296 Johannesburg: Boutique Haute Horlogerie, Shop 28A Upper Mall, Hyde Park Corner, Hyde Park P: +27 (0)11 325 4119 W: www.chopard.com

A: Bellagio, Shop 55 Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 883 6747 W: www.franckmuller.com

PICOT & MOSS P: +27 (0)11 669 0500 W: www.frederiqueconstant.com

Garmin

A: The Mall offices, 11 Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 251 9999 W: www.garmin.com/en-ZA

Graff

A: Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch P: +27 (0)21 885 8160 W: www.graff.com

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29097

MORE THAN A FEELING RACING-INSPIRED ENGINEERING Through its nearly mile-long straightaway and twelve unforgiving corners, the Fuji Speedway in Japan is our proving ground for performance. And it is from this world-renowned racetrack, and the silhouettes of the curves themselves, that our F SPORT range takes its name. From the muscular exterior design and sports-focused interiors to the expressive mesh grille and exclusively-tuned handling, every part of an F SPORT vehicle works together to deliver a look and feel of absolute exhilaration. And with special performance enhancements to the brakes, stabiliser bars, suspension, clutch and chassis, every drive is guaranteed to be a thrilling driving experience.

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HermÃ¨s

Rolex

Cape Town: BHH Boutique, Shop 6223 Link Mall, V&A Waterfront P: +27 (0)21 418 1889 Johannesburg: BHH Boutique, Shop 28A Upper Mall, Hyde Park Corner, Hyde Park P: +27 (0)11 325 4119 W: www.bhhboutique.co.za

Hublot

W: www.hublot.com

IWC Schaffhausen

A: Shop 6224 Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town P: +27 (0)21 418 4515 W: www.iwc.com

Jenna Clifford

A: Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 523 6600 W: www.jennaclifford.com

Longines

A: Charles Greig, Shop 6224, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town P: +21 (0)21 418 4515 W: www.charlesgreigct.co.za/ longines-collections

P: +27 (0)11 784 9230 W: www.rolex.com

TAG Heuer

Montblanc

A: Montblanc Boutique, Shop 7234 V&A Waterfront, New Link Mall, Cape Town P: +27 (0)21 421 5015 W: www.montblanc.com

Moser & Cie

A: BHH Boutique, Shop 6223 Link Mall, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town P: +27 (0)21 418 1889 W: www.bhhboutique.co.za

Omega

W: www.omegawatches.com/store

Oris

A: Bellagio, Shop 55 Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 883 6747 W: www.oris.ch

Panerai

A: Charles Greig, Shop 6224, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town P: +21 (0)21 418 4515 W: www.panerai.com

Patek Philippe

A: Shop U11A Upper Level, Sandton City Shopping Centre, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 784 2595 W: www.patek.com

Piaget

P: +21 (0)11 317 2600 W: www.piaget.com

Rado

P: +27 (0)11 911 1200 W: www.rado.com

Cape Town: TAG Heuer Boutique, Shop 6247 Victoria Wharf Upper Level, V&A Waterfront P: +27 (0)21 421 8539 Johannesburg: TAG Heuer Boutique, Shop U11, Sandton City Shopping Centre, Sandton City P: +27 (0)11 784 7422 Durban: TAG Heuer Boutique, Shop G219 Gateway Shopping Centre, Umhlanga P: +27 (0)31 566 4452 W: www.picotandmoss.co.za

Tanur Collection

A: Shop 147 Lower Level, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town P: +27 (0)21 418 5524 W: www.tanur.co.za

Tissot

A: The Swatch Group, 33 Angus Crescent, Long Meadow East Business Estate, Modderfontein, Johannesburg P: +27 (0)11 911 1200 W: www.tissotwatches.com

Tudor

P: +27 (0)11 784 9230 W: www.tudorwatch.com

Uwe Koetter

A: Shop 103, Level 1, Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town P: +21 (0)21 425 7770 W: www.uwekoetter.com

Zenith

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HAUT E MO N TRES | ED IT IO N 3 | 2020

C O LLE C T I O N

Villeret

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2020/09/07 18:10