In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: A Bang & Olufsen hands-free remote, The Outlierman expands the Bad One collection and Versace reopens in Paragon
A one-of-a-kind Hermès pocket watch featuring a T-Rex designed by Alice Shirley
Why you should care: Hermès’ Arceau Pocket Aaaaargh! is a one-of-a-kind pocket watch with a white enamel dial, adorned with a T-Rex composed of marquetry and leather mosaic on its cover. To recreate artist Alice Shirley’s T-Rex – which first appeared on the Aaaaargh! silk scarf – Hermès’ watchmakers painstakingly pieced together thousands of finely hand-cut multicoloured leather fragments for the head and scales, before using finely cut tesserae for the jaw and tongue, and a cabochon-cut Grand Feu enamel as its eye. The pocket watch houses a Manufacture H1924 minute-repeater and tourbillon movement, and is paired with a matte green alligator leather cord-strap.
Google unveils the Pixel 5
Why you should care: Among Google’s slew of new product releases, such as a rebranded Nest Audio smart speaker and Chromecast, the biggest highlight is undoubtedly the Pixel 5 with 5G. The smartphone has an improved camera system which boasts a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens alongside a dual 12.2MP main camera that has Night Sight for portrait mode, HDR+ and three new stabilisation modes for video. It also has a more robust software that includes new HD screen-sharing abilities on Duo video calls and a Hold for Me function that stays on the line for you, alerting you when someone picks up. The Pixel 5 is durable too, being dust- and water-resistant, and features a six-inch OLED display coated with Gorilla Glass 6. It is available for pre-order in the US, UK and Australia and retails for US$699 (S$953).
Bang & Olufsen releases a new hands-free remote
Why you should care: Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen’s Beoremote Halo is a visually striking device featuring a rectangular touch screen encircled by an aluminium halo. The touch screen lights up when approached, facilitating seamless streaming of music with a single tap. Compatible with the brand’s Beolab speakers, the remote comes in two versions – a table stand or wall-mounted model – and is available in Natural, Brass or Bronze Tone, priced at US$900 (S$1,227) each.
Jacob & Co.’s new tourbillon watch is inspired by a stolen Bugatti
Why you should care: In 1938, one of four Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupes mysteriously vanished without a trace – an all-black version that Jean Bugatti, the eldest son of founder Ettore Bugatti, had reserved for himself. Now, Jacob & Co.’s new tourbillon, the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti La Montre Noire, pays homage to the stolen ride. Fashioned from 18-karat black gold and invisibly set with 344 natural black baguette-cut sapphires, the timepiece is equipped with two accelerated triple-axis tourbillons, a decimal minute repeater, 48-hour power reserve and monopusher chronograph inspired by the pit boards in motor racing. The singular watch retails for US$1 million (S$1,363,700).
The Outlierman’s Bad One collection is for the modern gentleman who drives in style
Why you should care: Italian brand The Outlierman is known for its selection of luxury automotive accessories that are sleek, elegant and timeless. The latest addition to its Bad One collection includes a pair of Perforated Suede Driving Gloves and Fingerless Leather Driving Gloves, both of which come in a more audacious, yet no less classy palette of red and black. Made of Nappa lambskin leather, each pair of driving gloves are handcrafted by Italian artisans for maximum comfort and breathability. A set of Perforated Suede Driving Gloves retails for €280 (S$447), while a pair of Fingerless Leather Driving Gloves are priced at €220 (S$351).
Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter partner with Watches and Wonders
Why you should care: Following its debut in Shanghai, Watches and Wonders is currently happening in Sanya until 31 October 2020. It will also be brought to life digitally through the Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter online platforms, featuring a total of 14 watch brands – from major luxury houses like Cartier, Hermès and Montblanc, to watchmaking specialists like Ulysse Nardin, Richard Mille and Jaeger-LeCoultre. The month-long campaign will include exclusive EIP (Extremely Important Person) virtual events and small-group activities, along with virtual one-to-one appointments and interactive Instagram Live conversations.
Find our top picks here.
Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter x Watches and Wonders
Versace reopens its boutique in Paragon
Why you should care: Versace’s newly reopened boutique in Paragon boasts a fresh and contemporary design by architect Gwenael Nicolas. The 185-sqm boutique’s black and white marble façade is complemented by elegant grey floors and plush blue carpets, along with glossy marble and wood displays. Its fitting rooms have been enriched with the house’s signature Barocco print drapes in ivory and gold tones, and a curated selection of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories will be showcased.
In case you missed it:
Luxury train trips that put a modern spin on old-school travel
These luxury trains evoke the nostalgic glamour of travelling by rail.
A review of the Ferrari F8 Spider
The convertible’s agility and acceleration make up for the underwhelming engine note.
Luxury resorts near Singapore
You don’t have to board a plane to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
