In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news around the world. This week’s highlights: Richard Mille pays homage to famed F1 driver, Audemars Piguet inspires women with its latest watch collection and a brand new Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort to look forward to
Urwerk celebrates 40 years of The Hour Glass with the UR-105 Commemorative Edition in bronze
Why you should care: Urwerk celebrates The Hour Glass’ 40th anniversary with a watch that boasts elements reminiscent of the successful journey shared by both companies. Its design was inspired from Urwerk’s trio of watch collections made during its association with The Hour Glass, namely the UR-103, UR-200 and UR-105. It has taken the best features from each, such as the U-shaped sapphire crystal from the UR-103, which reveals the mechanics behind the wandering hours display. You’ll see the black-coated aluminium carousel inside, the four hour satellites and a power reserve indicator. The watch is prominently bronze, which according to Urwerk’s co-founder Martin Frei, marks the passage of time thanks to the patina it develops over time.
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok to open in 2022
Why you should care: Despite opening its first ever resort in Thailand, Aman Resorts has never revisited the country. Until now, that is. It heads back to Thailand more than 31 years after the opening of Amanpuri in Phuket, and is setting up an urban sanctuary in the Thai capital, Bangkok. The group has teamed up with Nai Lert Group, a real estate and hospitality company, to design and manage the hotel and branded residences that’ll be up and running in 2022. Called Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, you will find it nestled in the tropical foliage of the century-old Nai Lert Park in Ploenchit. Watch this space for more updates.
Audemars Piguet’s new Millenary Frosted Gold Philosophique
Why you should care: With this new timepiece, Audemars Piguet aims to inspire women to take charge of their own time and, allegedly, be more free-spirited. Taking a page from the book of traditional jewellery techniques from Florence, the 18-carat pink gold piece alternates between satin brushing and ‘frosted gold’ finishing, a special finishing dreamt up by jewellery designer Carolina Bucci. It is equipped by the calibre 3140, a new self-winding movement with a patented mechanism that allows the hand to move in an elliptical trajectory.
Mouawad makes its debut at the 68th annual Miss Universe pageant
Why you should care: The Miss Universe Crown is a beacon of commitment, hard work and ambition, and who better to design it than luxury jewellery Mouawad? Established in Lebanon in 1890, Mouawad has earned a reputation for creating one-of-a-kind pieces befitting modern-day royalty, and is now officially the crown designer of the Miss Universe pageant. A stunning diamond crown will replace the Phoenix Mikimoto crown, which went to Filipina Catriona Gray in 2018.
Richard Mille presents the RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen
Why you should care: It’s a long-winded name, we know, but if you are a fan of both Swiss watches and F1 races, who cares? Paying homage to Kimi Räikkönen and the Alfa Romeo Racing Team, Richard Mille crafted the RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen in Quartz TPT, made from 600 layers of 45-micron thick silicon combined. Also made of titanium, the hand-wound watch weighs little, but is no lightweight – it sports a 30-minute split-seconds chronograph, tourbillon, power reserve of 70 hours and can withstand shocks up to 5kg. If you’re smitten, it’s fastest fingers first. Only 30 pieces are available worldwide, and one could be yours for a cool US$1,063,000 (S$1,465,112).
Visit the newly refurbished Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
Why you should care: Anantara Uluwatu Bali, one of the island’s favourite cliff-top resorts, has emerged from an extensive facelift to unveil its 72 newly refurbished luxury suites, private pool villas and penthouses. Towering over the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, accommodation ranges from the contemporary two-storey Dewata Penthouse to the 84 sq m Ocean View Suite, which boasts a private jacuzzi and panoramic views of the surf break below. Those looking for respite will also enjoy the new spa facilities, which come fitted with seven treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure room, hair salon and pool.
