From May 16th to May 19th, the Swiss based watch and jewelry house will sponsor the Mille Miglia Race and unveil two new Mille Miglia GMT Chrono timepieces.

How It All Began In 1988, Chopard began it’s sponsorship of the famous Mille Miglia race and launched the Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph that same year. As a family company, founded in 1860, Chopard has always regarded this partnership as much more than a passive commitment, and they have participated every year in the 1000-mile race from Brescia to Rome and back.

It was Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard and a fan of classic racing cars, who came up with the idea of developing a Mille Miglia chronograph. The watch design was to be sporty, and the movement had to ensure precise timekeeping during a race. In 1988, the idea took shape and the cornerstone was laid for one of the most successful and iconic Chopard collections ever. Scores of enthusiasts and collectors now wait impatiently for the annual presentation of the latest Mille Miglia chronograph.

A Trend-Setting Watch CollectionAgain and again, the new models delight and surprise enthusiasts with their innovative design, new materials and additional technical functions. In 1998, for example, as a special tribute to the Golden Age of automotive sport, the chronograph appeared for the first time with its characteristic natural rubber strap bearing the unmistakable 1960s Dunlop racing tire tread. With the presentation of the Mille Miglia 2006 Gran Turismo XL, equipped with the largest self-winding caliber (44 mm diameter) to date, the company demonstrated its ability to anticipate the forthcoming “extra-large” trend.

The Mille Miglia Collection by Chopard has also significantly increased general awareness of the race which, after a 30-year hiatus, was brought back to life as the “Mille Miglia Storica”. It is now THE classic and vintage car event in the world, largely due to the irresistible charm of Italy and its people.

Mille Miglia GMT Chrono 2012 Unfailing Readability and Functionality

More than ever an instrument clearly cut out for competition, the new Mille Miglia GMT Chrono 2012 ensures exceptional readability thanks to its oversized counters. Its mechanical self-winding movement also provides an extremely practical dual time function. This sporty and sophisticated watch is issued in two limited editions of 2,012 in steel, and 250 in rose gold.

Consistently reinvented perfection: that is exactly what Chopard is determined to offer in annually unveiling new limited editions of its Mille Miglia collection. All at once sporty and elegant, the new Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph is now enriching the Chopard Classic Racing line that encompasses all watches paying tribute to the automobile world. An instrument that will more than ever prove an indispensable companion for all devotees of fine mechanisms.

Released to celebrate the 2012 Mille Miglia race, the Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph provides peerless readability. The chronograph counters at 12 and 6 o’clock, inspired by the dashboard instruments of classic racing cars, are oversized to ensure an extremely quick read that is further enhanced by the white hour-markers against the black dial. The central sweeping seconds hand is tipped with the collection’s signature red arrow.

The mechanical self-winding movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC and equipped with a stop seconds function to ensure highly accurate time-setting, also drives a useful and user-friendly dual time-zone display. A second hour hand, tipped with a white arrow, points to the 24-hour GMT indication around the black bezel forming an authentic visual extension of the dial.

This 42.4 mm-diameter timepiece features a satin-brushed crown guard, as well as the iconic natural rubber Dunlop Racing strap bearing the famous 1960s racing tire-tread motif. The technical, sporty case of this new Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph bears the emblematic “1000 Miglia” arrow as well as a nameplate designed to carry the limited-edition inscriptions.



L’Odyssée de Cartier

On March 24th, boxing legend Muhammad Ali will participate in the annual Celebrity Fight Night. IWC will join, with a special tribute to the legend.

Recognized as one of the USA’s elite charity events, Celebrity Fight Night is a star-studded annual charity event presented in honor of featured guest Muhammad Ali. Celebrities and professional athletes from all over the country participate in a night filled with incredible live auction items and live musical performances by many of today’s brightest stars. This power-packed night of excitement not only leaves our audience with unforgettable memories each year but, more importantly, provides significant dollars for charities.
This year, IWC is proud to participate with a special edition paying tribute to Muhammad Ali. In their year of the Pilot’s Watches, IWC chose a piece that is its own legend – the Big Pilot’s Watch – to honor the legendary sportsman, limited to one unique piece made of white gold, and featuring unique hand and appliqués coloring with the use of signal-red Super-LumiNova®. Red can also be found on the inside of the black alligator leather strap, and is a reference to the preferred color of Muhammad Ali, who often wore red boxing gloves for his fights. The case back shows the signature of the Sportsman of the Century with the engraving “Edition Muhammad Ali, ONE OUT OF ONE.”

The wait is finally over… Start your engines!

After the announced partnership between Hublot & Ferrari last November, watch collectors, Hublotistas and Ferrari enthusiasts the world over have been eagerly anticipating the fruit of this passionate collaboration. A few weeks later, Hublot unveiled a breakthrough in the world of high-tech materials dubbed “Magic Gold”, the world’s first 18-karat gold alloy that is virtually scratch-proof.
Hublot is proud to unveil the Big Bang Ferrari, a true departure in terms of designs and aesthetics that keeps the distinct Hublot feel, but this time with a touch if Italian flare that is subtle yet compelling. Indeed, Hublot has taken the silhouette of its iconic 44mm Big Bang model and redesigned it from the ground up; incorporating both Ferrari and Hublot’s desires for high-performance, high-tech materials.

The case itself, in Magic Gold or Titanium, features tighter curves and sharper angles than the original Big Bangs. Inheriting design cues from both the King Power and Big Bang lines. The attachment piece (sometimes referred to as the “ear”) has also been enhanced, featuring a thicker Kevlar inert without visible screws. The end-pieces also feature a quick-release strap button (just like on the Oceanographic 4000 models) to easily swap between the different leather/rubber straps supplied.

The sides of the case also feature new traits. On one side, the extra-large gear shifter-inspired pushers which offer smooth chronograph activation/deactivation, and the new crown design with a touch of Ferrari red.

The other side features a more detailed Kevlar insert with an inlay of carbon-fiber; reminiscent of the different car components fashioned in this exotic material which is very hard and yet extremely light.

The dial, in sapphire glass to reveal the “engine” below (guess where that inspiration came from?) features a new style of “chiseled” hour-markers, and applied cubical minute markers add a very 3-dimensional aspect to the watch. The dial itself holds subtle Ferrari symbols, such as the Cavallino at 9 o’clock and a dashboard-inspired chronograph minutes counter at 3 o’clock.

Last but not least is the engine that runs the watch. Just like in a Ferrari, the beautiful exterior covers something perhaps even more alluring; the “heart of the machine”. Hence, Hublot decided to use nothing less than its own manufacture designed and made Unico chornograph mechanism, which boasts a column-wheel flyback chronograph, bidirectional winding with a 70 hour power reserve in an avant-garde style and finish. This is also the first time Hublot houses the Unico in a Big Bang case.

Destined to please both Hublotistas and watch-enthusiasts, as well as passionate Ferrari owners and Tifosi, the Big Bang Ferrari will undoubtedly find its way to many wishlists!

Many companies are targeting high-end buyers these days, but Hublot is taking it a step further, by introducing a watch loaded with more than 1,200 diamonds worth a cool $5 million.

The new watch, called simply the $5 Million Watch, features a total of 1,282 diamonds, including more than 100 cts. of baguettes, and six square emerald-cut stones, each weighing more than 3 cts. It was recently sold to the Hour Glass, a watch retailer in Singapore.

While the watch doesn’t claim the title as the most expensive ever made, it was the most expensive watch introduced at this year’s Baselworld fair, and is the most expensive timepiece Hublot has ever produced, according to spokeswoman Marine Lemonnier Brennan.

“Last year, we introduced a $3 million watch,”. “But $5 million is probably the limit.”

So far, only one piece has been produced, but it’s possible the company may introduce future pieces.

According to a Hublot statement, unlike the standard haute joaillerie piece, where the design and construction fit already selected diamonds, here the diamond cutters started with the design and then found the diamonds that suited it. Every stone was individually selected to ensure that all were of a consistent quality and color. They then had to be resized, one by one, to make them a perfect fit for the watch.

Constructing the watch took 14 months of work, including seven months of work for 12 diamond cutters, and the same for the five setters.

The watch’s bracelet is 18k white gold, set with 782 baguette diamonds, totaling 45 cts.

by the Pulse of Fashion
Invited clear across the Atlantic Ocean to attend the Burberry Runway Show this year during London’s Fashion Week (February 17 –22) were South Florida business owners, Tracey and Edward Dikes, of Weston Jewelers.

In the company of top “Fashionistas” from around the world, Tracey and Edward, were one of the select few jewelry and timepiece salon owners who represented United States. They toured the factory, met with Burberry’s designers as well as being Burberry’s guest at the Runway Show.

As respected luxury connoisseurs Ed and Tracey’s comments were valued as they discussed the differences between the American and European timepiece consumer. One of the differences that Tracey pointed out was, “ American women tend to gravitate towards larger timepieces where the European woman prefers a more delicate watch.”

By The Pulse of Fashion

For spring 2012 designers are inspired by diverse influences, showcasing a range of styles and lifestyles, from free and playful and light and breezy, to contemporary classics. Colors likewise reflect these differing moods, encapsulating vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “They have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette. Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season’s top 10.

For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.