Both the Seamaster Diver and Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 special edition models share certain similar characteristics. For one, they all feature the colours of the 2024 Olympics which are black, gold and white. Also, the case back on all the models is closed and frosted to showcase the 2024 Paris logo and Olympic rings.

But that is about as similar as both the Seamaster and the Speedmaster will get.

The Seamaster Diver is a 42mm stainless steel affair that contrasts rather nicely with its Moonshine Gold bezel (Moonshine Gold being the proprietory yellow gold alloy of Omega that it says is more resistant to fading and lustre) and blends beautifully with its white ceramic dial that includes polished waves in positive relief and the official Paris 2024 Paris typography in black.

The Speedmaster Chronoscope on the other hand is offered in either Moonshine Gold or in classic stainless steel casebacks. The first, a full Moonshine Gold model affixed to an equally full gold bracelet, features a white opaline dial with black subdials and a contrasting black ceramic bezel. A second version comes affixed to black calfskin leather.

Also in this mini-collection is a stunning stainless steel variant that is very much like its gold cousin, the only difference being its stainless steel case back and bracelet. There is also a calfskin leather version that’s perforated with a white rubber insert.

Both the Seamaster Diver and Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 edition timepieces come in a rather beautiful white presentation box, complete with Paris 2024 detailing that matches the Omega Countdown Clock at Port de la Bourdonnais. Prices range from $9,800 to $51,400 for the Speedmaster Chronoscope, while the Seamaster Diver costs $8,900. All can be purchased at Omega’s Paris boutiques, so, if you would be at the Games, treating yourself to one is like getting a bonafide souvenir that would last you long after the Olympics has come to an end.

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The state of today’s luxury market

Mr. Dufour’s rather sharp retort makes sense, even though it sounds counterintuitive. After all, a major reason why certain luxury goods are more popular than others is simply because they are not only able to retain their value both financially and as status symbols, but they are also highly sought after years after their original release. Having such a product as part of their portfolio is also partly what keeps legacy brands in business.

But as Jean-Frédéric has pointed out, there are ‘dangerous’ consequences when consumers treat luxury items as an important part of their successful investment portfolios.

Between 2020 to 2022, the luxury market was riding on a ridiculous high. Nearly every business, from auto to fashion, lifestyle and timepiece brands, was reporting unprecedented profits, while eager buyers, unable to get their hands on newer releases, turned squarely to the secondary market. This in turn caused the prices of pre-owned goods to skyrocket, and ‘smart investors’, realising there was quick profit to be made, turned the whole situation into a Ponzi affair, buying and selling on the secondary market rapidly and driving prices even further upwards.

By 2023 however, the story began to change. Economic downturns, geopolitical turmoil from warring nations in Europe and more recently, the Middle East, and political instability among other issues caused aspirational customers and the affluent to slow down on luxury spending. Luxury retail stores that had increased their stock to accommodate the increased demand are now stuck with excess merchandise, and as for consumers who had accumulated luxury goods in the hopes of making a quick profit? Well, like the businesses, they now have to deal with products they may or may not be able to sell for a profit.

The rise of superfake luxury goods

Imitation luxury goods have existed as long as there has been a demand among consumers to flaunt a lifestyle they cannot afford. And while there is no official correlation yet, it appears that superfake luxury items – imitation luxury goods that are so close to the original that it is hard to detect at first glance – began to increase in popularity at the same time as demand for luxury goods exploded.

It does not come as a surprise. Wherever there is a high demand, there are always opportunists waiting to take advantage of those who do not know better.

Have Rolex and other luxury watches now lost their investment value?

Short answer? No.

In a recently concluded sale in Hong Kong, Sotheby’s reported that it had set two new sales records in its Important Watches I category. The first was the Patek Philippe Reference 2526 – the brand’s first self-winding wristwatch made especially for renowned collector J.B. Champion – that sold at US$729,977, while the second, a Cartier ‘Paris Cloche’, No. 1/1 quadrupled estimates to sell at US$210,882.

And this is not a standalone event. Luxury timepieces continue to sell on the secondary market at a higher value than their brand-new counterparts, just not at the same frenzied pace as during the pandemic, and definitely not at the outrageously high markup prices as two years ago.

Should you take Jean-Frédéric Dufour’s advice and not treat the Rolex – and other luxury timepieces – as a luxury investment?

Yes and no.

Yes, because, unlike stocks, they are products that have been created for everyday use, not just to have and to hold until there is a high demand for them on the secondary market.

And no, because at the end of the day, true, high-quality luxury items — if they are treated right — make great alternative investment portfolios, regardless of how the brands feel about this.

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Not only has it reported that counterfeits in circulation in the UK have surpassed one million, but its research has also revealed that theft of luxury watches is on the rise. As of last year, the pre-owned luxury watch brand recorded about 6,815 pieces missing, a 60% increase from the previous year.

This is not surprising. Although prices of luxury timepieces continue to fall from their pandemic highs, they are still more expensive than they were pre-pandemic, and resellers will still definitely command a higher price than current retail value should they choose to sell today. For example, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500 model is listed at around $29,000, nearly double its original price, on the luxury watch price tracker, WatchCharts. On the same site, a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 stainless steel model goes for $103,357 on average, a threefold increase from its retail listing of $34,890.

If you’re looking to add a luxury timepiece to your rotation, here are some useful tips to keep in mind in times like these

1. Avoid making purchases where counterfeit pieces are high in circulation.

Per Watchfinder & Co, the UK is currently one such place. But in reality, counterfeits of luxury items are on the rise everywhere as they continue to prove to be valuable assets in and out of times of economic uncertainties.

Which may make it better to

2. Avoid the secondary market.

Especially if you cannot confirm the authenticity of the reseller or access credible pre-owned luxury watch dealers.

However, getting new models of some luxury timepieces is nearly impossible, since some are limited editions restricted to loyal customers or have been discontinued. If the timepiece you’re looking to buy falls in these categories, then it is best to

3. Employ the services of a trustworthy personal shopper.

Personal shoppers are known to source for deals that are not available to the public, including hard-to-get items. Instead of relying on online/offline secondary markets that may or may not have authentic timepieces on display, a better option would be to leave the sourcing and authentication of your desired timepiece in the hands of an experienced personal shopper.

But remember, theft of luxury timepieces is on the rise, which means you may end up still losing out even if your Rolex is the real deal. To this end, you may want to

4. Get your luxury timepieces from ‘less popular’ luxury brands or indie houses.

Although the value of luxury timepieces has skyrocketed since the pandemic, not all luxury watch houses have enjoyed this hike in value. In fact, it appears as though this ‘windfall’ is restricted to only Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet.

Try timepieces from other luxury brands that are still valuable but without the ‘hype’ associated with the big three. However, if you already own one from any of these labels

5. Be careful of the places you wear your timepieces to.

Keeping them safe includes not taking them to areas that are known to be unsafe and environments whose security you are not sure of.

It is also a good idea to insure your timepieces, so that, in the event they ever get lost, you do not lose both the watch and the money used in getting it.

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‘A Masterpiece on the Wrist’: a Vacheron Constantin x The Louvre collaboration years in the making

Per Vacheron Constantin, this collaboration with The Louvre is titled A Masterpiece on the Wrist and will give interested clients a unique chance to work with Les Cabinotiers – the bespoke arm of Vacheron Constantin – to replicate their preferred art on the dial of their selected timepiece.

But this is not the first time the Swiss brand will be working with the French museum to create one-off artistic pieces. In fact, the idea started way back in 2016, after VC supported The Louvre in its restoration efforts of an 18th-century precision clock that belonged to King Louis XV. This project helped both brands to see how they could work together, and in 2019, they both entered into a formal partnership that gave birth to the Bid for the Louvre sale in 2020.

This first sale, the precursor to A Masterpiece on the Wrist project, was an auction that gave the winning bidder unique access to not only tour The Louvre but also the Cabinet des Dessins, a by-reservation only part of the museum which houses carefully curated artworks. It was here that the bidder chose a drawing – La lutte pour l’étendard de la Bataille d’Anghiari, by Pierre Paul Rubens – to be replicated on the dial of his timepiece, another benefit of the special sale.

Two years after, a special edition of four timepieces inspired by the museum’s antique collections: Métiers d’Art – Tribute to Great Civilisations, launched. This year, both establishments are going back to how it all started: one-off pieces featuring a historical artwork selected by the clients.

Making an Homage to Pierre Paul Rubens, La lutte pour l’étendard de la Bataille d’Anghiari

One would think that replicating art on the enamel of a dial would simply be a case of transferring a computer-generated miniature image of said art onto it or some other equally uncomplicated process. But this is far from the reality.

“Transcribing a drawing composed of ink and pen strokes onto a dial measuring 3.3 cm in diameter is a real challenge. You have to get inside the work and make it your own in order to find the level of detail while preserving the strength of the graphics”, explains Vacheron Constantin’s master enameller.

In order to achieve this feat, the master enameller chose to combine the Geneva miniature painting technique with the blanc de Limoges style generally used in grisaille enamel, a technique that allows only black, white and shades of grey to be used. The entire process involved the use of exact tools like brushes with 3-4 bristles and cactus spines; about 20 shades of brown, grey-brown, sepia brown and cream brown to replicate an image that looks just like the original drawing, and, alternate firings that preserved the first shades in the first layers of the dial.

The result is an artistic 18K 5N pink gold timepiece driven by in-house Calibre 2460 SC with a case back engraved with 17th century ‘Cerca Trova’ (he who seeks finds) calligraphy. “Engraving gives an extra-special touch to Haute Horlogerie watches”, says Vacheron Constantin’s master engraver.

The new Vacheron Constantin x The Louvre offer

A Masterpiece on Your Wrist is offering clients the possibility of experiencing a behind-the-scenes look at the Louvre Museum and its workshops, as enjoyed by the purchaser of the Les Cabinotiers – Homage to Pierre Paul Rubens, La lutte pour l’étendard de la Bataille d’Anghiari watch.

It will also involve the creation of a bespoke single-piece edition timepiece with a dial featuring an enamel reproduction of an artwork, selected by the purchaser from a collection of works, most of which are not on display in the Louvre Museum. The experience will be accompanied by a private tour of the Louvre in the company of its experts as well as another tour of the Vacheron Constantin factory to meet its master watchmakers and master artisans.

As for how much this experience will cost you? That is a question left for Vacheron Constantin: visit the website for further enquiries.

The post Create a One-of-One Art-Inspired Timepiece with Vacheron Constantin and The Louvre first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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This year, the premium timepiece manufacturer has gone all out in its updates, even with those it labelled ‘subtle’. Now, if you have ever wanted a Rolex you can fall in love with immediately, no questions asked, here are some hard-to-resist 2023 models to have and to hold, possibly forever and ever.

The Cosmograph Daytona

60 is such a big year – maybe no bigger than 100 or as widely celebrated as 50, but significant all the same – that you would expect Rolex to pull out all the stops for the Cosmograph Daytona’s 60^th. But this is Rolex, and while its 2023 releases are proof that it can be just as fancy as some of the masters of over-the-top horology, it chose to go the route of simple elegance that underscores many of its models.

The 2023 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona looks like its predecessor until you look closer and see that the hour markers are smaller and there are metal disks surrounding each chrono register. What is unmissable however are the available colours in this latest drop: the yellow gold model with Oysterflex bracelets and the rose gold variant with a black dial are impressive. But the show stopper here is the special 950 platinum model with an ice-blue dial and chocolate bezel that features the first-ever transparent case back in this series.

The Perpetual 1908

Complicated timepieces and toolsy watches are fine and dandy, but sometimes, we just want pieces that tell the time. The brand-new Rolex 1908 does exactly that: this new dress watch model tells you precisely where you are in our 24hr timeframe with its added Superlative Chronometer feature.

The 1908 is named after Rolex’s start year as a timepiece manufacturer, and its black or white dials are paired with either yellow or white gold and finished off with black or brown alligator straps that make for a truly understated, yet refined and classy piece.

The GMT-Master II

Yellow is back in the GMT-Master II collection and makes an appearance as a full 18k yellow gold model or a new two-tone rolesor-fitted variant.

The combination of a less-black Cerachrom bezel with a blacker dial result in a very serious-looking, mature and highly-desirable GMT-Master II

The Oyster Perpetual

For the 2023 model of its Oyster Perpetual, Rolex switches from serious to playful by infusing the dial with what seems to be all of the colours from the 2020 version. The bubbles dominating the turquoise-blue dial come in candy pink, mustard yellow, coral red, and forest green shades.

The Day Date 36

If you ever thought ‘fun’ is an alien concept in the world of Rolex, the Crown brand is out to prove you wrong.

The Swiss watchmaker has definitely shown it has a thing for colours over the years, but to include a jigsaw design on the dial, replace the day of the week function on the window display at 12 o’clock with affirmative words like “Happy,” “Eternity,” “Gratitude,” “Peace,” “Faith,” “Love,” and “Hope,” and, swap the date feature at 3 o’clock with emojis like the heart?

Indeed, even Rolex must have surprised themselves with this new Day Date that appears to be nothing like the pieces we know. And, if this unexpected shift is too much for you, don’t worry: the Crown has a toned-down, bedazzled version with colourful stone dials in emerald, turquoise and orange.

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Apparently, just like certain auto models in Nigeria carry the monikers, ‘baby boy’, ‘big daddy’ and ‘muscle’, among the Rolex collector community, names like ‘Pepsi’ or ‘Batman’ mean something completely different from what the rest of the world is used to. Of course, with very few exceptions, these nicknames did not originate from the brand itself and are mostly inventions of the community.

So, what are these nicknames? Well, here they are!

Batgirl

The Rolex Batgirl is none other than the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR with a blue and black bezel insert and a Jubilee bracelet.

This model got its nickname after the addition of the Jubilee bracelet in 2019 and a new generation movement. However, as this reference is currently available with either a Jubilee or an Oyster bracelet, it is hard to distinguish it from its ‘Batman’ counterpart without its box and papers or an expert to confirm the interior calibre.

Batman

The Batman is the GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR introduced in 2013 with a blue and black bezel insert. This model was the precursor to the Batgirl, and, as explained above, unless you’re an expert in Rolexes, it will be hard to differentiate between both models.

Bart Simpson

Close your eyes for a moment and picture the very cheeky Bart from The Simpsons. Now, open your eyes and look at an example of the 5513 Submariners. You’d agree that this particular moniker is rather apt.

Made in the mid-1960s, certain 5513 Submariners – which were the last to feature “gilt” printing – have a coronet (the Rolex crown logo) that looks like Bart Simpson’s hair.

Bubbleback

Early Oyster Perpetual models were outfitted with movements whose design necessitated a slightly raised, ovular case back that protruded from the plane of the watch case – hence the bubbleback nickname.

Rolex made gobs of these small yet beautiful timepieces from the 1930s through roughly the 1950s.

Buckley

A type of Day-Date or Datejust dial that features painted Roman numerals rather than applied versions. The nickname for this Rolex model comes from one John Buckley, a collector and dealer based in NYC, and a big fan of this dial type.

Coke

Yes, Coke. The soft drink that is.

A Rolex Coke is a GMT-Master II with a red and black aluminium bezel insert which first appeared on the reference 16760, and subsequently on the reference 16710. Currently, there is no “Coke” in the Rolex catalogue.

Fat Lady

This particular moniker does sound a bit offensive, so if it bothers you a bit, you can use ‘Sophia Loren’, which is the alternate nickname for the GMT-Master II ref 16760.

When this model debuted in 1983, it featured a case 0.5 mm thicker than its predecessor (the ‘Coke’) in order to accommodate a new calibre 3085 movement. ‘Sophia Loren’ here is in reference to an Italian actress famous for her curves. Ref 16760 included a sapphire crystal, white gold hour surrounds, and independent local hour setting, making it the first truly modern GMT-Master variant.

Green Lantern

Earlier this year, Rolex released a left-handed GMT-Master II with a green and black bezel that technically has three aliases: ‘Green Lantern,’ ‘Sprite,’ or the ‘Destro’ (Italian for right because left-handers are meant to wear their timepieces on their right hands) depending upon whom you ask. It’s available on both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets.

Hulk

A more robust version of the ‘Kermit’, the Rolex ‘Hulk’ is a green Sub with ref 116610LV that features a green Cerachrom bezel, a green dial, and a Rolex ‘Super’ case.

John Player Special

This is a Daytona ref 6264 or 6241 in solid gold with a black exotic dial.

It is named after John Player & Sons, a UK-based tobacco company and Formula 1 sponsor. The company’s cigarette boxes were black with gold lettering, hence the association.

Kermit

The precursor to the ‘Hulk’, the Rolex Kermit is a ref 16610LV Submariner Date introduced in 2003 in time for the Sub’s 50th anniversary.

For the first time, a Rolex featured a green bezel insert, executed here in aluminium, which lent it its Muppet-themed nickname.

Paul Newman

A ‘Paul Newman’ is any hand-wound Daytona with what Rolex referred to as an ‘exotic’ dial — a series of dials manufactured by Singer that featured blocky indices in the sub-registers as well as funky Arabic numerals and pops of colour.

This model earned its nickname because the famed actor wore at least two different Daytonas with these dials – most famously, his reference 6239, which hammered in 2017 at auction for close to $18M.

Pepsi

Any GMT Master or GMT Master-II with a blue and red bezel is a Pepsi, regardless of its ref. This colour combo originally came about as a nod to PanAm’s logo, as the GMT-Master was created for the airline’s personnel.

Polar

The Rolex ‘Polar’ is an Explorer II with a white dial, which could be a reference 16550, 16570, 216570, or 226570.

President

No, this nickname does not have its origins in any model created for a president. It is the colloquial name for the Rolex Day Date and is also the name used by Rolex to denote that timepiece’s bracelet — a special bracelet made specifically (and only) for the Day Date, and available at retail only in precious metals.

Root Beer

A GMT-Master or GMT-Master-II with either a half-brown, half-gold bezel insert – which is found on two-tone timepieces with brown dials – or one with a fully brown insert and gold text. (More modern references with Cerachrom bezels in black and brown feature two-tone Rolesor cases or solid-gold Everose cases.)

Why ‘root beer?’ Picture the A&W root beer logo colours.

Smurf

The ‘Smurf’ is a white Submariner with a blue bezel insert and either a blue (reference 116619LB) or a black (reference 126619LB) dial, the latter being the newer model, and the one currently in the Rolex catalogue.

Starbucks

In late 2020, Rolex introduced a new Sub with a super case, a green Cerachrom bezel and a black dial, making for a timepiece sort of halfway between a Kermit and a Hulk, but one that’s visually closer to the Kermit. The difference is the new 41 mm case, thinner lugs, wider bracelet and the new calibre 3235 (or 3230 on the no-date version), offering higher energy efficiency.

The collector community has subsequently named this model the ‘Starbucks’ given its black and green colour combo, but maybe it would’ve been better to combine ‘Hulk’ and ‘Kermit’ into ‘Hermit?’

Steve McQueen

The earliest Explorer II, the reference 1655, has come to be known rather curiously as the Steve McQueen – despite there being no evidence that the iconic American actor ever wore one. (His Rolex of choice was a Submariner.)

Stella

This moniker belongs to vintage Day Date models from the 1970s featuring a type of exotic dial. These dials were manufactured by a Swiss company called Stella and were actually referred to by Rolex as “lacquered Stella” dials.

Made from coloured enamel, they’re instantly recognizable and were supposedly mostly sold in the Middle Eastern market.

Source: Robb Report

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If you’re crazy about autos or are thinking of getting the perfect gift for an auto enthusiast (that is not an automobile of course), here are 7 timepieces made in collaboration with auto brands to consider.

Jacob & Co x Bugatti

You can always trust Jacob & Co to make the most complex and extravagant timepieces, and, with this piece for Bugatti, it did not fail to deliver.

Actually, the partnership between both brands officially began in 2019 with the Epic X and Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti kicking off the action. The latest is the Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal Tourbillon timepiece that boasts a racing-inspired blue sapphire case and a 578-part manual wind movement whose engine replicates the Bugatti W16 engine.

Just like a vehicle, its movement is suspended in the case with shock absorbers, and on-demand 16 pistons power up and down on the crankshaft like the hyper car’s engine. If the Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal Tourbillon timepiece is your choice, it will set you back a cool $1.5 million.

Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini

In the last 5 years, Roger Dubuis has worked closely with Lamborghini to create timepieces whose designs and colours, high-tech materials and visionary aesthetics mime the brand’s best cars.

The newest creation is this Excalibur Spider Countach developed for the launch of the new Countach supercar. Made from Roger Dubuis’ “exclusive high-technology Mineral Composite Fibre (MCF) material”, the timepiece boasts a complex 295-part hand-finished and assembled movement that was developed entirely in-house with double flying tourbillons at a 90-degree angle.

The Excalibur Spider Countach is a boutique exclusive priced at $815,000. With only 8pieces scheduled to be produced, it may be hard to get your hands on this one.

Bovet 1822 x Pininfarina

Like the others, both brands have been in partnership for some years now. The latest fruit of this union is the Battista Tourbillon which honours the Pininfarina Battista Hyper GT electric auto.

The Battista Tourbillon timepiece features an all-new movement with a two-sided 60-second Flying Tourbillon and a patented spherical rewinding system. The tourbillon cage is reminiscent of the Battista Impulso wheels, and, emulating the Battista E-Heart charging logo, the piece features an E-Heart-shaped aperture to showcase the date on the front and the winding mechanism on the back.

Thankfully, this is not a limited-edition piece and you can get it for $330,000.

Porsche Design x Porsche

The most unsurprising collaboration, timepieces by Porsche Design are perhaps the only ones not inspired by a specific marque.

Take for example the Chronograph 1-911 Edition timepiece. It was made to celebrate 50 years of Porsche Design and honours the first chronograph made by the brand. The motorsport-inspired timepiece comes with chronograph functions, day and date indication, and a tachymeter chapter ring for measuring speed.

Perhaps the only direct relationship it has with a specific auto model is the fact that it is only available to owners of the 750 Porsche 911 Targa GTS Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition sports auto. Both are sold together and cost $195,850 (excluding delivery, processing, and handling fees).

Not exactly what you may be looking for, since it’s a 2-in-1 deal. But it is definitely worth considering

Richard Mille x Mclaren

Already five years into its partnership with McLaren Automotive, Richard Mille continues to push horological limits. The RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail is a grand example of the futuristic styling and performance of both brands.

Honouring the fastest exotic car built to date by McLaren, the RM 40-01 boasts a new 69-part titanium and Carbon TPT® case that took 18 months to make. The all-new engine inside consists of a whopping 672 parts and was more than 8,000 hours in the R&D phases.

Priced at $1,023,000, only 106 pieces will be made to match the number of McLaren Speedtail autos that will be manufactured.

Girard-Perregaux x Aston Martin

One year and 3 timepieces after, Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin want to paint your wrist green with the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition.

This model is limited to 306 pieces in reference to the total distance in kilometres of the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone and its case is made from a blend of titanium powder and pieces of carbon fibre, materials gotten from two Formula One autos from the 2021 season. The straps also feature these materials alongside synthetic rubber and have been rendered in the same Aston Martin Racing Green.

What makes this ‘auto timepiece’ even more unique is that, for the first time, a Laureato Absolute Chronograph has on its rear a sapphire crystal that allows for viewing the hand-finished movement. It is priced at $27,800.

Ducati x Bulgari

Ok, so this may not be an auto brand, but since motorbikes are categorised as vehicles, well…

The newest collaborators on this list, Ducati and Bulgari’s first baby is the Bulgari Aluminum Ducati Special Edition Chronograph. The 40mm timepiece is fitted with Bulgari’s B130 automatic-winding mechanical movement that holds an impressive 42-hour power reserve. The deep-red dial is the signature colour of both brands, while the black-covered back case highlights the new partnership between Bulgari and Ducati with commemorative engravings of each brand’s logo.

Priced at $5000, the Bulgari Aluminum Ducati Special Edition Chronograph is limited to only 1000 pieces. So, if this appeals to you, you would have to make a move fast before it sells out.

Source: DuPont Registry

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You’ve probably read about the $260 timepiece’ specifications, which is why you might have been shocked when images and videos of the long queues and chaos at the stores where they dropped on the 26^th of March surfaced online.

Why is this collaboration so brilliant, and what is so special about these non-limited edition timepieces that have people scrambling to get their hands on one, even those who already own collectible pieces such as Rolex Submariners and even other Omega models?

1. Everyone wants a piece of an item that is as iconic as the Omega Speedmaster.

And the high-end watchmaker has found a truly creative way to meet this need without diminishing its value as a top Swiss brand.

Let’s admit it. We all want nice things, but we all cannot always have all the nice things we desire. Owning the original first NASA-approved Omega Speedmaster, which incidentally was the first timepiece to travel to the moon (ref 105.012) definitely falls under the category of nice things to own.

But if you cannot have it, you can at least have the next best iconic thing, which is exactly what the Omega x Swatch ‘Moonswatch’ Speedmaster is.

While this collaboration expands the collection to represent more members of the celestial realm – there are 11 models representing different celestial objects such as the bright yellow Mission to the Sun and the powdery pink Mission to Venus – it does not change the core design of the original Speedmaster.

The Moonswatch – which by the way is a play on the colloquial name of the Omega Speedmaster – retains all the classic features of its parent design. It features the asymmetrical case, the tachymeter scale and the iconic dial layout. The major difference? The case is made up of Swatch’s Bioceramic material, which is two-thirds ceramic and one-third a material derived from castor oil.

2. Swatch is in itself a solid brand known for its high-quality, durable pieces.

And by collaborating with a high-end brand like Omega, it is offering buyers a piece of the luxury life at an affordable price point.

Swatch has received a lot of bad rap over the years for its continued use of plastic and its unusual lugs. However, it appears the brand is listening, and with its recent collection with Centre Pompidou and now Omega, it just may be well on its way to being a collectible item.

3. Both brands have managed to design a product that reflects who they are without sacrificing everything they stand for.

Most collaborations between high-end and entry-level brands usually have the latter giving way to the former.

If you have any doubts about this, just look at the Manolo Blahnik and Birkenstock collection. Or the Gucci and Adidas collection. Somehow, Omega and Swatch have managed to let their authentic selves shine through in a way that fans of both brands can easily relate to.

Omega enthusiasts can easily recognise the design and tachymeter scale, while Swatch fans will find the bioceramic material and ticking sound familiar.

4. The collaboration proves that while change is constant, the most important things stay the same.

What are the 3 ‘Ps’ of Marketing? Or the 4, or even 7?

Whichever number of ‘Ps’ you agree is the correct mix came into play to make the Omega x Swatch ‘Moonswatch’ Speedmaster a truly remarkable and much-needed drop. Like they say, “trends come and go, but classics remain forever.”

Okay, that’s not how it is said, but that is how it should be said.

5. Collaborations can be successful, but Omega and Swatch have managed to come together in a truly iconic way.

If you had asked two years ago if luxury and streetwear brands could successfully produce a collection that will draw large, diverse crowds all over the world, the answer would have been 50/50. Omega and Swatch have not only shown that it is possible, but they have also been able to provide worldwide proof in numbers that turned up at the physical stores where the collection dropped and on resale platforms that now offer the pieces at almost 10 times their original price.

The post 5 Reasons why the Omega x Swatch Collab is so Brilliant first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post 5 Reasons why the Omega x Swatch Collab is so Brilliant appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Whichever it is, we can hazard a guess and say that you have an emotional attachment to your timepiece and would want to have them with you for a long time, whether or not you go on to have others in the future.

Besides, with the kind of profits luxury timepieces are racking up on the secondary market, it does not matter if you are not attached to yours: you can sell them for double their original price and use the money to go on to get one you really like.

But this can only happen if you keep your timepiece in the same state as it was when you got it, or at least in a fairly good state.

So, how do care for your luxury timepieces to make them last forever?

Don’t wait until problems surface before you service them

Timepieces are like autos: you have to service them regularly to avoid a rapid decline in performance.

Timepiece servicing is a preventative measure against damage that may arise in future. It’s also worth noting that problems discovered earlier may also be easier and less costly to fix, than when the full damage sets in.

A complete overhaul, or full servicing, consists of complete disassembly of the timepiece movement, cleaning of even the tiniest parts and a thorough inspection of every single part in the movement. Any part that needs fixing will be repaired. Then, the parts will be lubricated and reassembled. The final steps include a timing calibration to ensure accuracy, the closing of the case and a water-resistance test.

Service often

Is it absolutely necessary to follow the time frame recommended by the brand that made your timepiece? It depends on a number of factors, which include the make and age of the piece, as well as the conditions under which it is being used and stored.

In general, experts recommend servicing to be done once every two-and-a-half to three years for mechanical watches, regardless of how often they are worn. For quartz timepieces, the battery should be replaced once a year, whether it is being used often or not. Besides the annual battery change, a complete overhaul should be done every five years.

Tackle problems as soon as they arise

Once your luxury timepiece stops working, of course, you should repair it. However, there are other issues that can arise that should make you immediately seek out a service centre even if the piece is still working.

Some common issues include intermittent stoppage of the movement and inaccurate time. If you notice that your timepiece has gone ahead of time, that is most likely caused by a magnetic field, and it needs to be fixed. Also, when you see any fogging or vapour inside, you should get it checked quickly as it’s not a good sign.

Exposure to magnetic forces can bring about a gain or loss of time in a timepiece, as they can magnetise running parts in the device and cause them to stick together, resulting in movement inaccuracy.

Many are unaware of how easy it is for their timepieces to come into close proximity with magnetic forces. They can come from many things used in our daily lives, such as a mobile phone, the clasp on a handbag, or even the electrical devices in our homes like speakers or the microwave.

Fogging underneath the crystal is a sign of condensation, indicating that moisture has gotten inside. This can be due to worn-out gaskets, or moisture seeping into the timepiece via the crown. Regardless of the reason, it’s best to get it checked out and fixed, as moisture within can cause corrosion in the movement over time.

When there’s rattling coming from inside the timepiece, it is likely due to parts that may have come loose. Do not shake it or wind the crown, as doing either may cause further damage – send it to the pros for a check, pronto.

Try to avoid damages to your timepiece

Damages are inevitable, but they can be avoided as much as possible. Preventing constant injuries to your device will not only save you huge repair costs, it will also help to keep your piece looking new for longer.

For one, don’t shake your mechanical timepiece to keep the time going. What you should do is simply wind up the mechanism via the crown to store energy inside it. It is a common misconception that the former should be done to a mechanical device.

Secondly, simply try not to be careless when handling your timepiece. If you drop your device, there’s a high chance that internal parts will be broken even if you don’t see any external damage.

Finally, do not keep your luxury timepieces in humid areas, such as in or near the bathroom. If you live in humid climates, you need to service your timepieces more often than others who live in less humid areas. This is why you shouldn’t exacerbate the situation by exposing it to an environment with even more moisture.

Source: CNA Lifestyle

The post How to Maintain Your Luxury Timepieces so They last Longer first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post How to Maintain Your Luxury Timepieces so They last Longer appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Perpetual calendars are designed to give you all the information you would get on any calendar, including the days of the week, the month, leap year details and moon phases. This is in addition to telling you what time it is. Therefore, they are typically busy, although pieces like the Patek Philippe Grand Complication and Rolex Day-Date have rather simple designs.

With the H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar, however, simplicity is elevated to ultra-minimalism in a design that makes the timepiece simple to adjust, easy to read and yet difficult to damage. These three characteristics are exactly what sets it apart from other traditional perpetual calendars.

The foolproof perpetual calendar was first designed in 2005 with watchmaking genius Andreas Strehler. It was the first time the Swiss brand did not put its name on the dial of its timepieces, and it paved the way for a new kind of H. Moser & Cie design: timeless pieces with dials stripped of flamboyant details, including logos.

In celebration of the wildly radical yet highly successful concept, H. Moser & Cie has released two updated versions of the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar: the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue and the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tutorial.

The Funky Blue looks just like the original model, with the major noticeable difference being the addition of a logo in transparent lacquer. The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tutorial, on the other hand, is a massively different witty interpretation. Across its dial are scribbled notes that explain specific details about the piece, such as the length of the power reserve, or the fact the leap year indication is placed on the back of the movement. There is also a bright yellow warning line jutting out from the month of February telling you to watch out for the rare 29th number in the date window, which of course indicates a leap year.

Both updated versions of the Endeavor Perpetual Calendar use the familiar fumé blue dial that gradually darkens towards the edges, allowing them effortlessly play with light due to the sunburst brushed finish. They also both have the month pointer mounted on a central axis of the dial which follows the hour hand to indicate what month it is. (at 1 o’clock it’s January, at 2 o’clock it’s February and so on)

The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue & Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tutorial come in 18k white gold and beige Kudu leather strap with an 18k gold pin buckle. The Funky Blue is part of the permanent collection and is priced at CHF 54,000 (approximately 58,400 USD). The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tutorial is limited to 20 pieces and has a price tag of CHF 59,000 (approximately 63,800 USD). They are available on the H. Moser & Cie website.

The post H. Moser & Cie plays with the Minimalist Design of its Iconic Endeavour Perpetual Calendar first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post H. Moser & Cie plays with the Minimalist Design of its Iconic Endeavour Perpetual Calendar appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.