A Racing Frame, Reimagined on the Wrist

Richard Mille and Colnago unite Swiss horological precision with Italian cycling craftsmanship in a 50-piece tourbillon that turns the architecture of a racing bicycle into wearable engineering.

Richard Mille has long treated the watch case as an engineering problem rather than an ornament, and its latest collaboration with Colnago proves the point with characteristic flair. The RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago, limited to just 50 pieces, brings together Swiss watchmaking precision and the storied Italian cycling heritage of Colnago, the Cambiago based frame builder whose bicycles have carried champions across the world’s greatest races for decades.

Rather than a simple exercise in branding, the timepiece reinterprets the very geometry of a racing bicycle. The RM64-01 calibre, comprising 274 components, is built around three governing principles: lightness, transparency and volume. Its skeletonised architecture, rendered in microblasted grade 5 titanium, exposes the movement entirely, allowing the eye to trace lines that recall a tubular bicycle frame rather than a conventional dial. The fast-rotating barrel at one o’clock sits in deliberate symmetry with the variable-inertia tourbillon at seven, a configuration that echoes a bicycle’s drivetrain with unmistakable clarity.

Read the full feature here at PrestigeOnline.

Richard Mille Sets a New Standard for Power and Precision in Gem-Setting

 

Astone set into a case is not, by definition, an act of engineering. At Richard Mille, it has become exactly that.

For two decades, the maison has treated gem-setting not as a finishing touch but as a discipline requiring the same rigour as calibre architecture. The journey began in 2005 with the RM 007, the brand’s first sustained exploration of bead setting and invisible techniques. What followed was less a trend than a methodology: stones reimagined as structural and expressive elements, deployed with the same tolerances demanded of a movement’s gear train.

Read the full feature at PrestigeOnline

Van Cleef & Arpel's Perlee Extraordinarire Fruits Enchates Watches are Timely Accessories

 

Van Cleef & Arpels (@vancleefarpels), renowned for its artistic and culturally inspired approach to dazzling accessories, has once again captured the imagination of connoisseurs with its Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés watches. Its exquisite creations, inspired by the vivid vitality of nature, embody a masterful blend of artistry and innovation that is quintessentially Van Cleef & Arpels. 

Bulgari Unveils Its Dazzling Aeterna Collection in Cambodia’s Magnificent Angkor Thom

When the high jewellery is this divine, you need a fitting backdrop.

In a resplendent celebration that echoed the grandeur of its Roman heritage, Bulgari recently unveiled its most extraordinary collection yet during a magnificent gala dinner held against the breathtaking backdrop of Angkor Thom’s Bayon temple in Cambodia. Not merely a product launch, this event was a homage to the maison’s legacy and an exploration of its future, encapsulating the essence of luxury and artistry that Bulgari embodies.

Aeterna—which translates to “eternal”—is a fitting name for a collection that embodies the timeless beauty of high jewellery. Each piece is a testament to Bulgari’s commitment to unparalleled craftsmanship, featuring extraordinary gemstones meticulously selected for their brilliance and rarity. Aeterna’s designs intertwine heritage and innovation, drawing inspiration from the “Eternal City” where the iconic brand was founded in 1884.

Reflecting a harmonious blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair, the pieces in the Aeterna collection showcase designs that push the boundaries of traditional jewellery-making. From striking necklaces to exquisite bracelets, each creation tells a story of artistry and meticulous attention to detail. Vibrant gemstones, paired with intricate metalwork, highlight Bulgari’s signature style and echo the rich cultural heritage of its origins.

In honour of the collection launch, the gala dinner, set within the enchanting confines of the Bayon temple, offered an immersive experience that transported guests into a world of opulence and artistry. Renowned for its majestic stone faces and intricate carvings, the temple served as an awe-inspiring backdrop, resonating deeply with the themes of wisdom and timeless beauty that the Aeterna collection encapsulates. Guests witnessed models on the runway adorned in pieces that sparkled under the night sky, each creation reflecting the meticulous artistry and innovative spirit behind the craftsmanship of Bulgari, while enchanting cultural performances celebrating the rich heritage of Cambodia enriched the evening. Graceful dancers clad in intricate, gold-embellished costumes performed the Apsara Dance, echoing the themes of eternal beauty and craftsmanship inherent in Aeterna, highlighting the collection’s narrative and intertwining the past with a visionary future. 

The Aeterna collection is characterised by its breathtaking pieces that are designed to transcend time and trends. Among the standout creations is a necklace that features an array of colourful gemstones, each fastidiously set to create a radiant display of light and colour. Aeterna also introduces designs that incorporate modern elements while retaining the classic elegance that Bulgari is renowned for. Artisans employed centuries-old techniques to ensure that every creation exceeds the highest standards of luxury, and the smooth finishes and flawless setting of each stone exemplifies Bulgari’s dedication to excellence.

As the house of Bulgari commemorates its 140th anniversary, the Aeterna collection not only highlights the exquisite craftsmanship that has become synonymous with the brand, but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility—a key mantra that all jewellers of repute have embraced wholeheartedly. With each exquisite piece, Bulgari invites us to embrace the beauty of eternity, reminding us that true luxury is indeed timeless.

All images courtesy of Bulgari.
BY P.Ramakrishnan | March 12, 2025
More at Robb Report Hong Kong here. 

Richard Mille: Time Honoured

Born on February 13, 1951, in Draguignan, France, I've been writing about Richard Mille watches since... a time I cannot remember. 

So when Richard Mille Hong Kong office hosted a VIP luncheon, got a rare opportunity to sit across him and get an exclusive chat for... I think I was working at Prestige magazine at the time. 

They liked the interview so much, the brand fully sponsored one of my 40 under 40 editions. And went on to do the same until I left. 

Richard Mille turns 75 today - bonne anniversarie indeed. 

Atelier Wen Unveils Inflection Wristwatch Collection: A Masterpiece in Full Tantalum

 

Discover the artistry and innovation behind Atelier Wen's groundbreaking Inflection watch collection, a true testament to high horology and Chinese craftsmanship.

The introduction of a new collection of watches is often met with a mix of anticipation and scepticism, particularly when it promises to redefine conventions. Atelier Wen, a brand that has steadily carved its niche in the luxury watch market, has done just that with its latest offering: the Inflection, that launched earlier this week in Hong Kong. With a novel range of hues and ideation, well, colour us intrigued.

This innovative collection marks a significant milestone not only for the brand but for watchmaking connoisseurs and collectors. Atelier Wen, renowned for its dedication to marrying traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, brings to the table with Inflection an ambitious new standard, utilising 99.9% pure tantalum—a metal rarely seen in watchmaking outside the most elite brands.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Van Cleef & Arpels’s Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés Watches Are Timely Accessories For the Season

Discover the exquisite artistry behind these latest timepieces.

Van Cleef & Arpels, renowned for its artistic and culturally inspired approach to dazzling accessories, has once again captured the imagination of connoisseurs with its Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés watches. These exquisite creations, inspired by the vivid vitality of nature, embody a masterful blend of artistry and innovation that is quintessentially Van Cleef & Arpels.

At the heart of the Perlée Extraordinaire collection lies an enchanting narrative that pays homage to the bountiful gifts of the earth. The Myrtille and Framboise watches are not mere instruments for telling time; they are miniature canvases depicting captivating tableaux of sun-kissed berries, brought to life through the exceptional technique of façonné enamel. This exclusive method, developed by the maison, enables the creation of high-relief decorations that enhance the visual depth of each piece. The result is a stunning interplay of light and texture, inviting the wearer to marvel at the intricate details adorning the dials.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Cartier Reimagines Its Emblematic Santos de Cartier Wristwatch In a Smaller Size

Not just for pilots or fashionistas, the latest accessory, now in a more petite size and available in a dual-tone colourway, is a must-have for the discerning collector.

Originally crafted for the pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, the Santos de Cartier timepiece has oft been touted as the first modern wristwatch, breaking away from the pocket-watch tradition that had been the fashionable norm in the previous century. Its distinctive square case and visible screws—once a hidden aspect of horology—have become defining aesthetic elements of the singular design and collection. 

In 2025, Cartier introduces a new iteration of the Santos de Cartier, a smaller model that nonetheless reflects the proportions of the original designs. Measuring 27 mm x 34.5 mm, this latest design is available in both gold and steel, showcasing a blend of materials that enhances its elegance. Cartier maintains the design principles that characterise the larger models (as seen on Tom Cruise or Jake Gyllenhaal)—pure lines, precise shapes, and exquisite details—while contrasting these with the industrial allure of its visible screws.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Antiquorum’s Autumn Auction in Hong Kong Leads With a Patek Philippe Estimated to Fetch Up to HK$5 Million

Vintage treasures, grand complications, technological innovations, and limited editions are all up for grabs.

Antiquorum, the preeminent name in the world of horology, is set to dazzle collectors and enthusiasts alike with its autumn auction in Hong Kong on 26 October 2024. Held at the Mandarin Oriental, this eagerly awaited event promises an exquisite collection of 364 rare timepieces and jewellery, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of some of the most revered brands in the industry, a line-up of all the usual suspects: Rolex, Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Söhne, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, among others.

As one of the foremost auction house in the world, renowned for curating timepieces, Antiquorum has built a reputation for presenting only the finest examples of horological excellence. Its autumn auction will feature a significant selection of grand-complication watches, vintage treasures, and exceptional models—quite a handful of which are no longer in production. Collectors will be particularly drawn to the rare double-signed pieces from illustrious brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex, as well as military and tropical timepieces that tell their own unique stories of heat and artillery that leave an enduring legacy.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Breitling CEO Georges Kern on Celebrating 140 Years of Breitling and Expanding the Evolution of the Historical Watch Brand

A centenary Swiss brand is making waves in China—but what took so long? Longstanding Breitling leader Georges Kern answers this, and many other insights in a lengthy chat. It’s all about the right timing for Breitling CEO Georges Kern, who will soon be clocking 30 years in the horological industry. While passing through Hong Kong, he gave Robb Report Hong Kong an exclusive one-on-one chat about leading Breitling as it celebrates its 140th anniversary.

Marking “140 Years of Firsts,” Breitling unveiled not one, but three limited editions of its flagship models—the Premier, the Navitimer, and the Chronomat. Launched in Hong Kong to great fanfare to an assembly of collectors, connoisseurs, and celebrities, guest of honour, singer, and actor Raymond Lam joined hands with Kern to unveil the three novelties in Hong Kong.

But for watch enthusiasts, the cynosure of all eyes will perpetually be Kern, who, in his tenure as CEO, opened Breitling’s doors to China with a 2019 star-studded event in Beijing featuring brand ambassadors Brad Pitt, Daniel Wu, and legendary photographer Peter Lindbergh. Famed as an alpha-masculine brand for decades, Kern invited Charlize Theron to be the ambassador of a new collection and collaborated with Victoria Beckham on a special-edition Chronomat.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

This Diamond-Studded Rolex Daytona Is Expected to Fetch HK$2 Million at Christie's Auction

As Christie’s prepares to ignite its first watch auction of the year, scheduled from 27 March to 9 April in Hong Kong for the 2024 spring season, the result of the local chapter is bound to set the tone for what lies ahead. 15 live and online auctions are in the offing in 2024, studded around the globe in various watch capitals, for enthusiasts and discerning collectors to congregate and bid as the hammer rises and falls with clockwork precision.

On 27 March, Christie’s is holding its online auction, with a live one following in May, and the attention of the watch world will be directed at the city for one simple reason: the numbers. Last year’s sales, particularly the ones from this past November, has made the Hong Kong chapter the cynosure of all eyes. On one autumnal evening, the auctioneers clocked in record global sales and participation from 39 countries spanning five continents. Important watches, those of historical value, the rarest of rarities, and mint collections were up for grabs; Christie’s presented three live watches auctions in Hong Kong and achieved a total of HK$222 million—the second-highest autumn sale at Christie’s Asia, ever.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.