J A N U A R Y
2 0 1 6
Letter from the Editor
Happy New Year to all our customers. All of us here at Lex Tempus hope you’ve had a happy and carefree holiday with your family and friends. Now, it’s time to get back to business and forge ahead to a productive and profitable 2016. That’s what we’re doing. In 2016, we’re expanding our portfolio of prestigious brands and broadening our product range of luxury accessories and timepieces, adding even more merchandise with character and the highest level of craftsmanship. To start the New Year off with a bang, this issue of Timepiece Magazine has some marvelous tales to tell. If you enjoy the adrenaline rush of extreme downhill skiing, we’ve some great suggestions for you; then if you’ve found yourself in difficulties and in a situation where your survival depends on your gear, we have a list of the gear that will bring you home; and then we have a piece that will give you some insight into Edelberg and its luxury accessories and writing instruments. When you read Timepiece Magazine and browse its pages, you’ll come across articles and ads that will stimulate your imagination. After all, Timepiece’s goal is to make your quest for the foremost in luxury lifestyle products, easier than ever. We hope you enjoy this issue of Timepiece Magazine.
E. Mark Baran Publisher
CONTENT Edelberg Collections Entice and Endear
p.6
The Making of a Watchmaker – Part V1
p.18
Where the right amount of crazy and disposable income collide
p.24
The exhilaration and adrenaline high of extreme downhill skiing
p.39
Around the world in 80 watches
p.54
Edelberg Haute Manufacture Suisse specializes in luxury accessories and writing instruments. Take a look at its Pen Collection and its Dressing and Working Collections that will enhance and enrich your everyday style.
A rare glimpse into the journey of becoming a master watchmaker.
The gear and philosophy of wilderness survival. Top picks for gear that you should never leave home without when heading out on a backcountry excursion.
Some suggestions of where to go if you’re addicted to the adrenaline rush of extreme downhill skiing with its double black diamond runs, back country gates, alpine bowls and glades.
Series 7
COLLECTIONS ENTICE & ENDEAR By Máire O’Callaghan
For a company only five years old, Edelberg has made its mark on the world. Launched in 2009, Edelberg Haute Manufacture Suisse specializes in luxury accessories and writing instruments. The name is a clever combination of two words: Edelweiss, the beautiful national flower of Switzerland, and Gutenberg, who invented the printing press and movable type in 1439. Combining Edelweiss and Gutenberg is a stroke of genius. Together, they represent beauty, innovation, new products and technologies. Carlo and Samuel Naldi, father and son, have managed the company since its founding. Since then, they have launched an amazing array of high-end products for the luxury marketplace—all of them embodiments of the Edelberg name. Edelberg offers three collections: Writing, Dressing, and Working. How do the founders of Edelberg meet the expectations that are inherent in the name of their company and in their core values that include creativity, collaboration and communication, fairness and friendship? First, Carlo Naldo is a Swiss watch industry veteran. Since the 1990s he has supplied many luxury Swiss watch brands like Omega and Greubel Forsey with exclusive wooden presentation boxes. Further, he is a pen collector and distributor of several brands of high-end pens. He spent a quarter of a century immersed in the Swiss watch and pen industry, acquiring a unique understanding of the luxury pen business. His son, Samuel Naldi, is the company’s CEO. Together, they focus on precision-manufactured luxury accessories and writing instruments that are crafted to the highest standards and quality.
THE PEN COLLECTION Edelberg’s primary pen collections are Sloop and Tachys, both produced at the company’s 104-year-old factory in Geneva. Sloop is a twist mechanism ballpoint pen, while Tachys has two models: rollerball and fountain. Sloop and Tachys are offered in a range of editions made from revolutionary materials and ingenious finishes. Each pen is manufactured and numbered in Switzerland, guaranteeing exceptional quality and distinctive designs. Edelberg also creates “bespoke” limited edition writing instruments.
THE SLOOP The Sloop collection is characterized by its balance and ergonomics, making writing especially fluid and natural. Inspired by the sleek silhouette of sail boats with a single mast and a fore-and-aft rig, the Sloop is precision-machined and handcrafted from state-of-the art carbon fiber, surgical grade stainless steel, and Super-Luminova. The innovative disappearing clip mechanism is engineered from thirteen gears and components, bridging horology with the art of pen making. When the pen is in use, the mechanism makes the clip retract into the barrel, and when the pen tip is retracted the clip reappears. The Sloop is a capless ballpoint pen issued in fabric and animal print, adding beauty and distinction to its functionality. The materials used for the 12 models of the Sloop include carbon fiber matte or shining; precious black resin; stainless steel PVD coating or 5N Rose Gold plating, glowing Super-Luminova or red or black lacquer lines. The purity of lines of the pen alongside the originality of the concept and the finish in high-performance materials, confer on it a modern, compelling character. Pair a Sloop ballpoint pen with the Panerai Radiomir 8-Day Ceramic PAM384 timepiece. It will make a stunning combination: the black dial and luminous Arabic numerals, indices and hands of the timepiece together with the black body and luminova of the pen.
Model ref : eb - 1001
Model ref : eb - 1003
Model ref : eb - 1008
“TO BE, OR NOT TO BE” BASED ON THE SLOOP BALLPOINT PEN This pen adds to Edelberg’s reputation for integrating bold designs with unique materials and unconventional art. Well known artist and designer, Alvaro Soler, painted a slowly melting human skull to convey the message “To be, or not to be,” taking inspiration from Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Hamlet. When seeing Yorick’s skeletal head, Hamlet is struck by the futile nature of life and is stirred to action. With this latest creation, Edelberg encourages us to reflect on life’s impermanence—a marvelous irony: the impermanence of life indelibly marked by a pen that will keep its owner company for decades. This pen is a limited edition with only 88 pieces worldwide—and each of them with the white melting skull hand painted by Alvaro Soler.
TACHYS FOUNTAIN PEN Tachys takes its name from the Greek word for swift or speedy. It delivers the writing equivalent and joy of driving your new car at speed for the first time. The image of speed is further augmented by the pattern on the clip: the design is based on the needle of a speedometer. Like the Sloop, the lines on the clip are not only printed, but they are also engraved by a CNC machine. These lines are filled with lacquer or glowing Super-Luminova. Made from the finest black striped resin, the Tachys fountain pen is sophisticated and functional. Although it is robust and able to withstand unexpected pressures, its sleek and classic design makes it a perfect accompaniment to any lifestyle choice. This model exemplifies comfort, style, speed and durability—the prerequisite of today’s demanding user. The fountain pen is produced only with a semi-flex titanium medium nib—titanium combines strength with toughness and corrosion resistance, while still allowing for flexibility. This is where the Tachys fountain pen stands out: it “self-adjusts” to the writer, whether the writing is heavy or light. The Tachys fountain pen will look spectacular with the NOMOS Metro 38 Datum 1102 timepiece with its legendary Glashütte precision and classic design. The pen and watch together, one with its cool white dial the other with its black striped resin body, make for a perfect combination and a gift to remember.
Model ref : eb - 1011
Model ref : eb - 1026
Model ref : eb - 1023
THE DRESSING AND WORKING COLLECTIONS We dress to attract. We wear brands that enhance our appearance and reputation. Take it one step further, add these accessories to enhance your everyday style.
DESK SET Love and liven your desk with this gorgeous collection. It is hand manufactured in Italy and made of matte carbon fiber, aluminum, ebony Macassar and calf leather. The collection includes a desk box, pad, pen holder, tray and visit card holder.
BELTS If you are going to the Hamptons for the weekend and need two belts, you can take two in one. With the Edelberg reversible leather belt you have five options: black and orange, black and carbon, black and brown, or black and cognac. You also have a choice of finishes on the buckle: stainless steel, PVD or 5N Rose Gold.
CUFFLINKS Finish your weekend wardrobe with cufflinks. The collection consists of twelve cufflinks with different finishings from Super-Luminova to carbon fiber, from stainless steel 316L to black lacquer.
Edelberg is a company of firsts, rather like its partial namesake Gutenberg. The company is the first pen manufacturer to incorporate Super-Luminova in its designs either on the clip or along the body of the pen. Its designs and materials are unusual in the pen industry such as the individually airbrushed pens created in small quantities and signed by the artist. Other Edelberg pens are comprised of details like houndstooth, pinstripes, or “stitching,” highly unconventional and individual. When you buy a piece from one of Edelberg’s collections, you buy a product that not only combines modern manufacturing techniques with innovative designs and materials, but also pieces that are precision crafted to the highest standards and quality. Carlo and Samuel Naldi have more than met the expectations inherent in the Edelberg name. They have cleverly created an unparalleled niche space in the pen and accessory industries—all through their adherence to the founding principles of the company and its core values. If you need something special for a loved one, the Edelberg collections offer gifts that will surprise and delight. To paraphrase William Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, “A pen! a pen! my keyboard for a pen.” Preferably, an Edelberg Tachys fountain pen.
VI
The Making Part of a Watchmaker
The journey to become a master watchmaker continues By Måire O’Callaghan
In Timepiece Magazine Issue #6 we left Bas planning his internship, which will commence the end of April 2016. Currently, Bas has two internship options he is considering for the first six months of school year three. In the meantime, Bas is continuing his school work, following the steep learning curve required to become a master watchmaker.
Practicing bending hairsprings
Working on and servicing watch movements
Making tools
Bas has been working on the Seiko 7005A and 6119C movements. He says the 7005A is pretty much the same as the Seiko 7009 he worked on last year, but it doesn’t have the day feature like the 7009. He is usually given just a movement, but this time it had a dial, hands and case, so he was able to practice taking the hands off, applying them to the dial again, which he says is quite difficult because they are flimsy, and if you press too hard they are ruined. Bas explains, “I start with placing the hour hand, obviously. Then I turn the crown until the date is in the middle of changing to the next day, and then place the hour hand aimed at 12 o’clock. Then I turn the crown until the hour hand is aimed directly at the 6 o’clock position. After that, I place the minute hand aimed straight at 12 o’clock. Finally, I place the second hand, also aimed at 12. This can always be a little off because this particular movement doesn’t have a balance-stop, so you can’t stop the seconds hand when setting the time.” Bas then serviced the 6119C, which is an older movement (late 60s to mid 70s), this one was missing screws and a part for the date quickset. He managed to find a few correct screws in the parts inventory so he felt that was quite good. Bas says if that movement had been in someone’s watch it would have been a big problem, a few shakes and shocks and the whole automatic winding system would have come off, parts could have ended up in the balance and ruined it beyond repair. This was followed by work on a small lady’s automatic movement and then servicing his Omega, which is powered by the caliber 565 movement.
Aside from working on and servicing watch movements, Bas has also had to practice bending hairsprings. He is given a hairspring with a weird bend and then he has to fix it. He explains that this is one of the most difficult things in watchmaking for which he will need a lot of practice. In some of his watchmaking lessons Bas is required to make tools, usually during just one or two lessons per semester. He says he will be required to make more when he specializes in watchmaking, which will start before the end of the year. The tool Bas made was a holder for small custom chisels, which he will start making in the future. He began with a steel rod, then drilled in a hole from one side towards the middle, and then a second hole that meets the first hole in the middle, then milled in a slot from the top to the middle. Then he made a small ring with a hole and screw thread that clamps onto the rod so he can secure a chisel in the rod. The next difficult challenge Bas faces will be replacing balance staffs and hairsprings. As Bas continues to progress toward becoming a master watchmaker, dealing with the minutiae and intricacies of his chosen profession, we will continue to follow in his footsteps. It is through Bas’ regular updates that we get a glimpse into the incredible expertise and knowledge required to create some of the masterpieces we are familiar with such as the Grand Seiko Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 GMT with its sophisticated 9S86 movement, or the Parmigiani Fleurier Transforma CBF with its Vaucher based PF310 movement. One of these days, a few years hence, we’ll say, “We knew him when.”
WHERE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF CRAZY AND DISPOSABLE INCOME COLLIDE The gear and philosophy of wilderness survival By Scott Randalls Outdoor Adventure Enthusiast
There is no doubt that within the past few years television and the internet have been filled with the concept of survival—whether wilderness survival, natural disaster survival, or beating the Zombie Apocalypse—shows and videos tout the merits of ultimate survival gear and techniques. However, with that comes the blurred line between entertainment and real knowledge, the understanding of equipment and what leads to a survival situation. Now, I am the first to admit I am not what I would consider a survival expert of any kind—however, I do consider myself an outdoor enthusiast, and with that I do find myself in situations that most would consider on the extreme side. As my wife so lovingly describes me, I am where disposable income and just the right amount of crazy collide. It is this collision that finds me and my friends being dropped off via helicopter into remote regions of Canadian mountains with nothing but a basic kit and a good survival knife, for days at a time. Extreme for some—a hobby for others. However, this hobby, which includes a multitude of backcountry excursion types, has brought me through a process that has allowed me to test, vet, and choose equipment that is, at least in my opinion, the best for not only keeping you alive in an extreme wilderness situation, but also dry, warm and happy. And again, with the plethora of TV survival personalities, YouTube videos, and the internet as a whole exclaiming “best gear ever” or “best techniques ever,” one must always separate the fantasy from the form and function of one’s kit. One of the more comical—and by that I mean sad—aspects of gear in general is a one-size-fits-all mindset. The one that first comes to mind is the ridiculous idea that a survival kit can fit into a small Altoids tin. Really? Let’s look further into this concept. The fantasy, and yes I truly mean fantasy, of this approach is that it is borderline irresponsible. The idea that everything you need for some sort of Rambo-like survival can be contained in something smaller than your average mobile phone, needs to stop. As I’ve said in the past, the only good thing that an Altoids tin will do for you is to store your ashes after they cremate what’s left of your body when it’s found in the woods.
STEP
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DON’T BE AN IDIOT
Instead of fantasizing about a Bear Grylls scenario where you use nothing but your shoelace and some old wood to survive a perilous situation—maybe instead you don’t put yourself in that situation. After extensive research on the topic, it turns out that the vast majority of survival situations could be completely avoided. The series of events that usually lead to a bad situation almost always starts with three words, “I wasn’t prepared.” Whether it’s a day-hiker who forgot to tell someone where they were going, or walking off-trail and getting lost due to the lack of a GPS or compass, or simply being without adequate communication—most situations like these lead to being unprepared for the unexpected. So remember these few easy steps: notify people as to where you will be and when to expect you back, take a communications device with you, and make sure you know where you are going as it pertains to maps, compass, and / or GPS. Those steps alone will help you “survive” by simply avoiding a Darwin award.
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STEP2 THE RIGHT GEAR FOR THE JOB
Of course, this is where most people get excited, after all who doesn’t like buying new stuff? But here is where you need to be pragmatic—survival gear should always be a simple concept—you need only the bare essentials to keep you safe and happy, even in the face of adversity.
Now, as discussed, most scenarios can be avoided, but sometimes there is just no stopping a bad situation from happening. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a camping trip gone sideways, the gear you carry needs to represent what is truly important.
The first thing I look at as part of my “survival kit” is what I need for the bare essentials. The way I determine this is: everything minus my hammock and sleeping bag as these are comfort items, not survival items. That means that the rest of my kit, whether it’s a full-blown heli-trip into the mountains, or a simple day-hike, I always carry the same essential stuff. An easy way to define “essential” is to follow a great concept by a gentleman by the name of Dave Canterbury—please leave the survival personality politics aside for this one. Dave coined a fantastic checklist summed up as the five Cs of survival: cutting tool, combustion, cordage, cover, and container.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
1 2 3 4 5
Cutting Tool – When choosing a cutting tool always make sure it suits both personal taste and the environment you are going into. For instance, if you are traveling into the Brazilian rainforest, a machete would be the ideal tool of choice. However, that tool may not be so well suited if you are in a North American forest consisting primarily of hardwoods—in this case, your classic woodman’s axe will serve your needs much better. Aside from form and function, a good knife is always one of the best primary tools you can have. Though there is an internet full of advice and opinions on what knife size, type, brand, etc., is best, one thing remains—a good quality knife with a full tang construction with a blade length of 4 to 8 inches will never disappoint. Combustion – Fire is essential in almost any survival situation. It can be used to help treat water, keep you warm, keep animals at bay, and signal for rescue. Thus, making sure you have adequate fire-making tools is imperative. I wholeheartedly suggest you keep a few lighters in your kit at all times, plus a ferrocerium rod and fire starting materials including fuel cubes, and dry tinder. Cordage – Here is something often overlooked. In a dire situation being able to build shelter, fish or hunt for food, etc., is paramount. For this reason, having something as simple as a fishing line, bankline, paracord (also known as 550 or “chute” cord) is essential for so many things—from the catch of day, to snaring bugs bunny, to building the forest version of the Ritz Carleton. Cover – This one is almost self-explanatory ... almost. A cover doesn’t have to be a tent; in fact, it doesn’t even need to be a tarp (though it would be good to have one). Simply carrying a few contractorgrade trash bags can turn a terrible experience into a manageable one. By cutting the bag open it can easily be turned into an almost-perfect rain shelter or poncho. A second one can be filled with leaves and debris to make a sleeping pad creating a barrier between you and the cold ground. Dry and warm...a novel concept. Container – There are obviously multiple definitions of container—everything from a plastic bag, to a cup, and typical water bottle, to stainless steel canteen. For me, I prefer the stainless steel canteen / water bottle. Purchasing a single-walled stainless steel container means not only can you carry water, but also boil water to make it safe to drink. But here’s a warning: make sure it is single-walled. The double-walled versions meant to insulate from the cold or heat can explode when heated— so choose wisely!
Now, aside from this basic list, there are a few more things I bring along. For instance, a good compass and a GPS is a must—survival becomes a lot easier when you simply walk out of the area on your own. As a “NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT” item, a really good first-aid kit is a must. Being able to treat injuries can turn a deadly situation into a survivable one. Furthermore, a water purification device and/or tablets are a way to ensure you avoid dehydration. I also suggest packing an emergency Bivvy or blanket of some kind—staying warm ensures safety, rest, and clear thinking for the tasks at hand. Oh, and bug spray—because bugs suck. And lastly—clothing. From the right pants and shirts, to the right jackets and/or ponchos, your clothing is your first line of defense against the elements.
THE GEAR THAT BRINGS ME HOME
Being an outdoor enthusiast with a taste for adventure, I have gone through my fair share of gear over the years. Here are my top picks for gear that I never leave home without—and yes, this is above and beyond just survival items.
B R E M O N T LIMITED EDITION CODEBREAKER
By Máire O’Callaghan
Swooping down the mountainside off-piste, facing challenging steep runs and slopes that rise steeply—that’s your addiction. You’re addicted to the adrenaline rush of extreme downhill skiing with its double black diamond runs, back country gates, alpine bowls and glades. If you are hooked on the risks and dangers of flying down a trail at full speed with stunning mountain ranges as a backdrop to your mindblowing run, then you have probably skied at one of these three ski areas: Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States; Chamonix, France; and Verbier, Switzerland. If not, they’ll be a new resource for fueling your passion for the exhilarating and enthralling sport of extreme downhill skiing.
Jackson Hole – Wyoming
Jackson Hole is the valley floor that lies between the Teton Mountain Range and the Snake River located along the border of Wyoming and Idaho. Created by the Teton Range on the western side and the Gros Ventre Range on the eastern side, Jackson Hole contains some of the world’s most hair-raising slopes with verticals of more than 4,000 feet—and delivers an average snowfall of 450 inches each year.
Try its legendary Corbet’s Couloir on Rendezvous Mountain. Its base elevation of 6,311 feet begins with a mandatory air entrance and consists of a 10 to 15 feet free fall drop—terrifying to look at for some, a challenge for others. It depends on the snow conditions as to how far you free fall. When you jump you fly through the air into Corbet’s Couloir with rock faces on three sides before it opens up—you land facing a wall of rock so you have to turn fast to ski the 40-degree powder run. Corbet’s Couloir is a double black run and it’s short, only 50 feet. Jackson Hole’s Rendezvous Mountain is a paradise for hard-core skiers with its abundance of chutes, gullies and cirques. You have runs such as Alta, Expert and Tower Three Chutes, and the Hobacks, which is an ungroomed 28-degree run with a long off-piste valley. You also have many opportunities for breathtaking, really scary back country tours. As well, check out the trails on Cody Peak such as Space Walk and Zero G—once the sole territory of the ski patrol and hard-core skiers. If you decide that Jackson Hole offers the challenges you want in your skiing life, there are plenty of places to stay: •
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) – Offers 116 named runs scattered across 2,500 acres and the two mountains, as well as more than 3,000 acres of accessible side country terrain.
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Four Seasons – A 5-star luxury resort that is only just over 4 miles from skiing at JHMR.
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Snake River Lodge and Spa – Located in Teton Village just 12 miles from Jackson Hole.
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Teton Mountain Lodge – Located in Teton Village also just 12 miles from Jackson Hole.
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Hotel Terra – Eco-boutique hotel located in Jackson Hole.
Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
Chamonix Mont Blanc is one of the world’s oldest and most popular ski destinations—in 1924 it was the site of the first Winter Olympics.
Chamonix is located near the towering peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Aiguille du Midi mountain. The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the French Alps and the highest peak in Europe (excluding the Caucasus Range), is part of Chamonix town. When you are strolling through the village, look up at the 15,781 feet of rock, snow and ice. It’s awe inspiring—and more. Chamonix has amazing off-piste and ski-touring terrain. Ski runs such as the Pas du Chèvre, Couloir du Dru and Rectiligne in the Grand Montets ski area—all have up to 45 degree pitches. The most well-known of these off-piste descents is the Vallée Blanche, which starts at the top of Aiguille du Midi—12,500 feet—and finishes in the Chamonix town center, depending on the conditions. Vallée Blanche is a glacial valley at the heart of the Mont Blanc range with a 12-mile off-piste ski route with a vertical descent of 8,800 feet. At the top of Aiguille du Midi peak, with its fabulous views of the Alps, you exit an ice tunnel onto a sharp mountain ridge, which is dangerous due to its a 50-degree pitch on both sides with the ground dropping away several hundred meters from a narrow ridge. In the high season, a safety rope is strung along the descending path, even so it doesn’t provide much comfort or sense of safety. When tackling the Chamonix ski runs, remember that many lives have been lost because of the cliffs, crevasses and avalanches, and the glaciers on Les Grand-Montets and on Mont Blanc, although out of this world for spectacular views, can be deadly. If you feel any apprehension about skiing on glaciers in high mountains, hire a mountain guide. If you haven’t done so already, then ski Chamonix. You’ll find some amazing places to stay that offer luxury accommodation, entertainment and fine dining. •
Le Hameau Albert 1er – Luxury five-star hotel near the Chamonix town center. It has luxury personalized rooms with fireplace, cozy chalets, a spa, and an indoor-outdoor swimming pool.
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Hotel Mont-Blanc – This renovated 100-year-old establishment is located in the heart of Chamonix and is a 10-minute walk from the ski lifts at Brévent. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a gym, a hot tub and a spa.
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L’Auberge du Bois Prin – A charming Savoyard chalet, all wood and stone, on the sunny side of the Valley of Chamonix, facing the magnificent Mont Blanc.
Verbier, Switzerland
Located in south-western Switzerland, the village of Verbier is one of the world’s premier offpiste resorts in the Swiss Alps. Verbier nestles in a south-western facing bowl high up on the mountainside at an altitude of around 5,000 feet. When skiing the Swiss Alps nearly every inch of the terrain is accessible as all the peaks and valleys of the Alps are connected through a network of cable cars—wherever you want to ski, the cable car will drop you close to your chosen run. Verbier is known for its off-piste runs such as Backside Mont Fort, Stairway to Heaven, Highway, Marlenaz, Croix de Coeur, Col des Mines, Creblets, and Rocky Garden—to name just a few. For lovers of backcountry skiing, it’s paradise. Backside Mont Fort is a tough and challenging long, steep run of icy hardcore moguls. It should not be undertaken without the right safety equipment and a qualified guide. Once you enter the ski area, you are completely cut off from the main resort. The first traverse is a “no fall zone,” a steep face with rocks and cliff drops followed by a steep couloir. Then you have a choice whether to traverse or climb other slopes. Finally, you ski alongside the right edge of Lac Cleuson, which can be dangerous late afternoon on a warm day. Verbier’s highest lift drops skiers off at 10,853 feet. Ski one of the hundreds of challenging routes that plummet off the peak in every direction—try the 8,239 feet run off the top of Mont Fort. Alternatively, if you want to access the notorious Bec de Rosses—Verbier Xtreme competition territory—hike the ridge from the top of the gondola. Most of the runs down the face of Bec des Rosses are between 55 and 60 degrees over 2,600 vertical feet with mandatory airs, dead ends and cliffs—it’s one of the most arduous mountains to ski in the Swiss Alps and is, obviously, only for the most experienced skiers. Places to stay in Verbier include: •
Nevai Hotel – A luxury hotel with a chic modern Alpine design in the heart of Verbier.
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The Lodge Hotel – The Lodge is Sir Richard Branson’s mountain-top chalet perched high in the Swiss Alps and is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Alps.
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La Cordee des Alpes – Built with reclaimed timbers and local natural materials this luxury chalet is just a seven-minute walk from downtown.
What drives those who love the dangers of double black diamond runs, who take to mandatory airs as though they were born to them, and who risk avalanches, icy conditions and death defying free falls? When you consider the exquisite beauty of the mountain terrain, the silence, the sound of skis swooshing down the slope, or the adrenaline high of soaring through the air hitting the trail at breakneck speed—one can understand the drive, the appeal of testing one’s endurance and courage in such an environment. Who wouldn’t want the exhilaration and adrenaline high of flying down offpiste runs, shooting through amazing chutes, navigating ungroomed trails that snake around boulders and trees. Your heart is in your mouth. The drops breathtaking. The towering mountain peaks out of this world. The thrills and good times—never ending.
Panerai Luminor PAM005 at “Texas Playboys� baseball game in Marfa
Rolex Yachtmaster camping
Rolex Submariner on Everest Band at very wet F1 race
Panerai Radiomir 210 at kitchen wake and bake
Panerai Luminor PAM005 with bar girl pouring beer
Maurice Lacroix Pontos Diver at mini-golf course
Paneriai Radiomir 210 at music festival with jumping girl Panerai Radiomir 210 at Drake/Future concert
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Panerai Radiomir 210 and Texas Girls
Tudor Big Block and pepperoni pizza
Rolex GMT2 “Coke” enjoying kitchen backsplash
Tudor Big Block with Texas Santa on horse
Serie s #7
Tag Huer Connected “Smart Watch”
Rolex Submariner on yellow NATO strap at Wu-Tang concert
Panerai Luminor PAM005 with big tomahawk steak
d l r o w e h t d n u Aro atches in 80 w