Jewels | Watches

— Featured in Boulevard Magazine —

Showcase

Inside Tiffany & Co’s Blue Book 2024 exhibition

Photography by Jin Cheng Wong

In its recent high jewellery showcase, Tiffany & Co unveiled more than 200 stunning pieces from its 'Blue Book 2024' Collection. The selection features rare and elegant designs from the Tiffany Céleste line, exquisite creations by Jean Schlumberger, and exceptional pieces from past collections, including Out of the Blue and Bird on a Pearl Capsule.

Jewellery, watch or work of art?

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

From ancient and intricate techniques to rare stones and breathtaking designs, jewellery watches are at an all-time high.Shot on location at Roche Bobois

Review

Dissecting 2024’s most polarising watch launch

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

Undoubtedly one of the most hotly debated watch launches in recent times, the Patek Philippe Cubitus impresses IRL.

Showcase

Beyond rarity: The allure of coloured diamonds in high jewellery and wealth preservation

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

Geopolitics, scarcity, and soaring auction prices – coloured diamonds hold a unique fascination for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Showcase

The most complicated watches of recent times

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

Watch complications, though no longer strictly necessary, serve more than a utilitarian purpose. They embody ingenuity, an enduring respect for tradition, and a blend of smart mechanics and design finesse.

Looking back at the history of Van Cleef & Arpels through this new exhibition

Nature has long served as the muse of Van Cleef & Arpels. The maison’s creations are coded in the vitality and poetic grace of the seasons. In ‘Les Jardins Secrets’, a private exhibition at the Raffles Arcade, individuals are invited to take in the storied jewellery maker’s rich history and extraordinary repertoire of techniques through a one-of-a-kind display of pieces on loan from a private collector, as well as from the in-house Patrimoine collection.

Interview

Ultra-thin watches that redefine horological ingenuity

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

For many watchmakers and collectors alike, the thinner a timepiece is, the better. That may be a matter of preference – or debate – but there’s no disputing the breathtaking, infinitesimal complexity of ultra-thin watches.

Icons: The signature emblems of the world’s greatest jewellery maisons

by Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

With nary a logo in sight, these signature design emblems have come to define the essence, and the desirability, of these hallowed jewellery maisons. So how did these timeless symbols come to be?

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— Latest Jewels | Watches Features —

Material World: Exquisite Timepieces & Divine Décor

Christian Barker
Watch photography by Kevin Khng
Interiors photography by Jin Cheng Wong

Up until the 20th century, quality watches were primarily encased in silver or gold. Over the past 100 years, however, we have witnessed immense advances in the types of materials used to keep mechanical movements safe from the elements.

Interview

The interview: Dickson Yewn, jewellery artist, on defining luxury, Chinese history and inspiration in his work

Hamish McDougall

Dickson Yewn has become a leading contemporary jewellery designer over the years. Deeply inspired by Chinese history, antiques and culture, the jewellery artist's unique expressions make use of a wide range of gemstones, pigments and wood. Here, the designer talks us through finding sources of inspiration, his polymathic approach to jewellery art and living as a literatist.

Showcase

When flawless doesn’t cut it: Diamonds show perfection can be perfected upon

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng
Styling by Ong Weisheng

The world’s worst kept secret is undoubtedly the fact that diamonds are really not as rare as De Beers would like us to believe. Nevertheless, astute collectors know that there are some rarefied categories of diamond that continue to increase in value.

The art of the chronograph

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

Though ubiquitous, the chronograph demands exceptional skill to create. These watches showcase the pinnacle of horological achievement.

Partners in time: Maximilian Büsser on the collaborations behind MB&F’s legendary timepieces

Christian Barker

'MB&F' stands for 'Maximilian Büsser and Friends'. Since its inception in 2005, from the moment the business name was registered, this watchmaker and purveyor of mechanical art objects has had collaboration at its core. Essentially, it’s a vehicle for founder Büsser to partner with individuals possessing specialised skills, in order to make innovative horological concepts and out-there inventions a reality.

Showcase

Luxury watchmakers that redefined the times

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

It’s almost difficult to recall the state of horology only a few decades ago, when high watches were elegant, svelte, timeless. How things have changed. These are the brands that blazed the trail.

Review

Big, bold and beautiful outlandish watches

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

Big, bold and beautiful: These outsized and out-of-this-world timepieces boast astounding mechanics – and eye-popping aesthetics to match.

Review

Chasing rainbows: The magnetism of coloured gemstones in high jewellery collections

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

From fiery black opals to neon-blue tourmalines, a rainbow of vibrant gemstones is taking centre stage in high-jewellery collections – and collectors are paying attention. We explore what’s driving this explosion of coloured gemstones...

New release

Franck Muller Round Skeleton Baguette 31 is a marriage between fine jewellery and haute horology

Franck Muller continues its quest in crafting timeless creations by marrying together the beauty of high jewellery and the complexity of haute horology in the new Round Skeleton Baguette 31. This iconic piece is part of the Maison's Asia Pacific Exclusive collection. It is also the latest addition to the Round Skeleton lineup but made more unique, thanks to the baguette-cut diamonds and coloured gemstones that adorn the bezel and case.

The Albatross: A look at MB&F and L’Epée 1839’s airship-like marvel

MB&F's fruitful decade-long partnership with L’Epée 1839 has produced some memorable machines and mechanisms, 15 of them to be exact. The StarfleetMachine, for instance, wowed audiences as an intergalactic spaceship-cum-table clock with double retrograde seconds. Grant, on the other hand, was a combination of what seemed to be a reconfigured futuristic tank, having a clock as a shield on its back.

New release

Jacob & Co unveils exclusive timepieces in collaboration with Manchester City

Jacob & Co is one of the most recognized luxury watchmakers for its horological expertise, as well as its use of high-end materials in crafting great complications. Each masterpiece has made its benchmark around the world and became a true collector's item, just like the Billionaire Timeless Treasure watch which fused high jewellery and horology together and was only available in a limited release of 21 pieces.

New release

Grand Seiko unveils a daybreak version of the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon

In 2022, Grand Seiko released the first Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon, a complication that houses a tourbillon and a constant-force mechanism as one unit on a single axis. It was the first time in horological history that one timepiece holds both complex mechanisms, which is the reason why it garnered the Chronometry Prize at that year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. This year, Grand Seiko unveils its daybreak counterpart to complete the portrayal of light and dark in its Kodo collection.

New release

IWC Schauffhausen unveils the Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a striking blue dial

IWC Schaffhausen first introduced the Ingenieur in 1955 as an antimagnetic wristwatch designed for civilian use, marking a significant milestone for the Maison. The timepiece gained even greater prominence in the 1970s when renowned Geneva watch designer Gérald Genta reimagined and transformed it into a stainless-steel luxury sports watch.

New release

Hublot’s new collaboration with Takashi Murakami reveals a colourful expression of art and time

Hublot first began its partnership with renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami in 2021, united by a shared vision of creating timepieces that are exceptional, as they are functional. These include the Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks that are paired with unique pieces.

New release

Wolf celebrates its 190th year anniversary with new limited-edition collections

Wolf is a renowned British-based luxury brand that curates the most exceptional watch winders and jewellery boxes. It has gone through five generations of the Wolf family line and has continuously operated since its inception in 1834. This year, Wolf celebrates its 190th anniversary by releasing five limited-edition collections, each inspired by its five generations.

New release

Breguet Marine Tourbillon Equation Marchante: A grand complication in platinum armour

The Marine Equation Marchante 5887 is arguably one of Breguet's highly technical timepiece, featuring a 43.9-mm diameter case and an ultramarine face that first came out in 2017. Three years later, the tourbillon collection was reimagined in warm reflections of pink gold, complemented with a beautiful chocolate-coloured dial.

Endlessly collectable emeralds

Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng
Styling by Tok Wei Lun

“I believe in the healing powers of emeralds,” says John Glajz, founder of the Glajz-THG jewellery house. “It’s been a lucky stone for me for many years.”

Tiffany & Co’s Blue Book Collection is an odyssey to the cosmos

Tiffany & Co. is a name that suggests a tradition of creative excellence. Whether it's Paulding Farnham's dazzling orchid brooches of the late 19th century or Jean Schlumberger's fantastical enamel bangles of the '50s, the Maison's pieces communicate such sculptural and poetic magnetism.

New release

MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement ‘Eddy Jaquet’ series: Capturing the great classics of youth literature

When MB&F first introduced the limited-edition series of its Legacy Machine (LM) Split Escapement in 2021, it brought the novels of French author Jules Verne to life through an intricately hand-engraved dial crafted by Eddy Jaquet.

Showcase

Cartier’s latest skeleton masterpiece created for the highest flyers

Mike Huynh

Skeleton timepieces represent a statement of engineering excellence for the world’s finest luxury watchmakers. For the house of Cartier, watchmaking often incorporates rich elements of art and breathtaking jewellery design.

Showcase

Jacob & Co’s Opera Godfather Musical Watch is the pinnacle of high watchmaking

Most have come to associate Jacob & Co with lavishly radical watchmaking. Each piece is an exercise in bold complications using traditional methods. Its Opera Godfather Musical Watch is no different. This limited-edition release, with its mechanical musical box and triple-axis gravitational tourbillon, enjoys the quintessential features of a definitive Jacob & Co classic.

Event

Adrenaline and Swiss artisanship: The genius of Rebellion’s timepieces

Bryle B. Sulatra

Only a handful of watchmakers focus on the thrills of mechanical depth like Rebellion. Its translucent skeletonised cases and elegantly sportier character are indicative of a passion for motorsport. The spirit of the brand's timepieces is synonymous with that of a sportscar: light, stylishly bold, high octane and visually stunning.

Interview

The art of time: Bovet 1822 owner Pascal Raffy talks us through the brand’s hand-painted dials

When you've mastered the full suite of mechanical complications – including an extraordinary phases of the moon dial complete with orbiting satellite – where to next? For Bovet 1822, it was a step back from engineering, and into art.

Interview

De Bethune CEO Pierre Jacques talks about master watchmaker Denis Flageollet

Christian Barker

De Bethune is among the most innovative watchmakers in operation today. So it seems apt to ask the company’s CEO, Pierre Jacques, how he drives his team to remain inventive and inspired. Jacques deflects all praise in this regard to his partner in the business, De Bethune cofounder and master watchmaker, Denis Flageollet.

New release

The safe: Buben & Zörweg’s Bugatti Grande Illusion Deluxe

This is no mere watch safe. Sure, Buben & Zörweg’s ‘Bugatti Grande Illusion Deluxe’ boasts the hardcore security tech and precision engineering you’d expect of a high-end safe, and yes it also features four watch winders atop a layer cake-like stack of jewellery trays. But the specs take a back seat to the arresting design and fabulous gadgetry that’s more at home on the set of James Bond than stashed away in an horophile’s strong room.

Review

Glashütte’s PanoLunarInverse captures the moon’s captivating aura

Moonphase complications are among the oldest and most intricate movements in horology, requiring exceptional precision. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a watch but also showcase the complexity and attention to detail involved in its creation. In its latest masterpiece, Glashütte Original reinterprets the moon, offering a glimpse of its captivating aura within the PanoLunarInverse.

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Revolution: A sublime movement 8 years in the making

Mike Huynh

The house of Jacob & Co. is synonymous with breathtaking timepieces featuring some of the world’s most complicated movements. Each Jacob & Co. creation is immediately recognisable due to its often extravagant and striking design unlike anything else on the market. This reputation has seen Jacob & Co. pieces grace the wrists of celebrities from Conor McGregor to Elton John to Rihanna and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Showcase

Out for blood: The allure of radiant rubies

by Karishma Tulsidas
photography by Kevin Khng

Rarer and more expensive than diamonds, Myanmar’s famous ‘pigeon blood’ rubies have long been the most coveted stones on the market – but rubies from other origins are now gaining in popularity...

Showcase

D&A Jewelry unveils a dazzling universe of gemstones for Singapore’s discerning collectors

Karishma Tulsidas

The world of gemstones spans a kaleidoscope of colours beyond the big four. D&A Jewelry is on a mission to introduce this universe to Singapore’s sophisticated collectors.

Piaget Reappraised: Interview with new image director Fatemeh Laleh

Christian Barker

When Fatemeh Laleh assumed the role of International Communication and Image Director at Piaget, the company’s CEO Benjamin Comar asked her what she thought of the brand. Beyond a loose awareness of the logo, Laleh says she struggled to answer. “I’m not capable of telling you what the brand is today,” she told her new boss, with remarkable candor.

Blancpain goes full gold with its two latest additions to the famed Bathyscape series

Back in June, Blancpain celebrated its Bathyscape collection with a contemporary ceramic reinterpretation. The Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune incorporated the Maison's innovative calendar DNA with the Bathyscape's signature diver aesthetics and functionality, adding another layer to the series' proud history.

Emera’s Cyborg Exoskeleton Tourbillon Super Structurae is a stunning portrait of futuristic watch design

As a younger player in the prodigious world of Swiss watchmaking, Emera prides itself in its sense of creativity and horological ingenuity. The Maison's collections are exercises in new aesthetic frontiers, opting for more futuristic styling laced with centuries-old mechanical practices. This is especially evident in one of its flagship pieces, the Cyborg Exoskeleton Tourbillon Super Structurae.

Inside IWC Schaffhausen’s record-breaking Portugieser Eternal Calendar

In the realm of luxury aviation watches, IWC Schaffhausen has earned itself quite the reputation, thanks to its use of ceramic and titanium, functional calendar complications and the iconic moon phase calendar.

Franck Muller x Ryoko Kaneta: Crafting a whimsical Cintrée Curvex reinterpretation of the dragon

Annie Asistio

Franck Muller's spirit of collaboration is most evident in its work with contemporary art world. The Maison has worked with the likes of Loes van Delft, Hom Nguyen and Daniel Arsham, among others, to create some of its most fascinating modern timepieces. And its latest Cintrée Curvex piece with Japanese artist Ryoko Kaneta is no different.

Breguet’s new Classique Double Tourbillon ‘Quai de l’Horloge’ is a collector’s dream

The famed Classique Double Tourbillon 'Quai de l’Horloge' is arguably the ultimate homage to the richness of Breguet's history. It was with the piece that the Maison would introduce the world to the idea of the tourbillon, which would eventually be patented by Abraham Louis-Breguet himself. All these years later, its latest reiteration, the 5345 in rose gold, still references the same styling cues, as well as Breguet's legendary birthplace in Paris.

Bulgari’s Aurea Chandra illuminates layers upon layers of Roman grandeur

Annie Asistio

Bulgari's 2024 Aeterna collection is the conclusion of 140 years of intricate and powerful expressions. There's a sense of eternity found here that mimics the character of the Eternal City herself, Rome. And among them, the Aurea Chandra choker stands tall as one of the Maison's most riveting pieces, showcasing a certain opulence that combines new-age jewellery design with Roman splendour.

Cartier celebrates 100 years of the beloved Trinity through this immersive journey

From Maria Félix's crocodile necklace to the Panthère de Cartier, Cartier's legacy is symbolic of an old-world grandeur that had once been reserved for royals and aristocrats. Each piece it crafts has become a symbol of individuality and beauty. Such is the case for one of its most iconic creations, the Trinity, which also happens to be celebrating its centennial year.

The interview: Nicholas Rudaz, CEO of Franck Muller, on the making of New Novelties 2024

Bryle B. Suralta

Thinking about the Aeternitas Mega, one can't help but appreciate this masterclass in Franck Muller's technical prowess. It's only fitting that the most complicated watch in the world (built with a whopping 36 complications and 1,483 components) is made by the master of complications themselves. This piece encapsulates the brand's commitment to horological innovation. It's a philosophy that has defined its iconic collections since the introduction of the Cintrée Curve in 1987.

Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina Central Monotourbillon: Haute horology in constant motion

The first thing that comes to mind with Roger Dubuis is its distinctive architectural designs and sharp aesthetic quality. In particular, its skeletonised dials allow the wearer an intimate look with the intricacies of the mechanical movements. Each timepiece boasts a unique expression that is sure to impress even the most savvy collector

Blancpain’s Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune is a reinterpretation of a beloved classic

Nearly 70 years later, Blancpain's Bathyscape collection still enjoys quite the notoriety among watch collectors. The daily-use version of the iconic Fifty Fathoms collection, and its decreased diameter, made it one of the most celebrated diver's watches ever. Recently, the Maison introduced a contemporary reinterpretation of such with the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune.

A tribute to Italian leather: Loro Piana unveils its first-ever jewellery collection

When Loro Piana unveiled its Summer Resort 2024 Collection, it would pay homage to the textures that ultimately define Italian summers. Images of straw-roof bungalows and turquoise blue waters immediately come to mind, capturing the essence of 'La vie heureuse'.

Panerai upholds its legacy of technicity and Italian styling with its latest Luminor signature

Panerai is often associated with luminescent materials, thanks to the Radiomir that had once revolutionised watchmaking. The Maison would also supply the Italian Navy and its specialist diving corps with precision instruments for decades. Today, it continues to craft some of the more innovative watches, evidenced, for instance, by the groundbreaking ultra-black Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech in 2017.

Breguet’s Marine Chronograph 5529 and 9518 take inspiration from the open seas

From the guilloché dials to those blue pomme hands, Breguet's horological contributions often get overlooked, except for, say, the watchful eyes of aficionados. The watchmaker to the French Royal Navy typifies a traditional sophistication often lost to modern horology.

Bulgari reflects on the ‘eternally reborn’ for its latest campaign

Annie Asistio

A fusion of historical periods and artistic styles is part of what makes Rome so beautiful. And since its inception in 1884, Bulgari has always prided itself in honoring the Eternal City's enduring memory. The brand's Eternally Reborn campaign highlights just that, evidenced by the collection's refreshed styling cues and exquisite gem pairings.

Grand Seiko SBGD213 in blue sapphires is a fitting tribute to the white lion

It was only in 2020 that Grand Seiko introduced a jewellery watch into its Masterpiece Collection. The iconic Lion would be replaced by the regal white lion, and soon enough, Spring Drive jewelry timepieces would set a new standard for the Maison. At Watches and Wonders Geneva, the latest Spring Drive 8-day jewellery would be met with a glorious reception, leading to some of the most sought-after divers in the world.

Bulgari’s 2024 Aeterna collection is a dazzling love letter to the eternal city

Each piece in Bulgari's 2024 Aeterna collection traces its roots all the way back to the brand's birthplace. For its 140th anniversary, this latest set of coloured gemstones honors the Eternal City herself, fittingly introduced at Rome’s Terme di Diocleziano earlier this May. With it comes expressions that embrace the intricacies of its past while celebrating the complexities of its present.

Three timepieces that reshaped modern femininity

Annie Asistio

In the world of haute horology, these watches stood out as symbols of refinement, horological ingenuity and enduring style. These rare timepieces exuded a particular feminine grace, a kind of unique charm that captivated its fellow Maisons. From sleek minimalist designs to intricate complications and timeless accents, these revered expressions paid homage to women's place in the watchmaking industry.

Interview

The interview: Sadry Keiser, CMO of Roger Dubuis, looks back on five generations of chronographs

Bryle B. Suralta

"The chronograph complication holds a dear place in our Maison," Roger Dubuis Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Sadry Keiser says. "Mr. Roger Dubuis was passionate about traditional horological complications, so when he launched his company in 1995, he included a chronograph calibre in the very first watches he created."

When haute horology meets fine art: Frieze Art Fair shines the spotlight on Breguet

At this year's Frieze Art Fair in New York, independent curator and Apsara Studio founder Jenn Ellis would unveil the product of an artistic collaboration brokered by Breguet and Frieze a year ago.

Glashütte’s PanoMaticInverse captures the essence of Dresden

Known as the 'Florence on the Elbe', the city of Dresden is often associated with romantic landmarks. Whether it's the Frauenkirche, the Academy of Fine Arts or the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the city's most important icons were made to stand the test of time. Right in the middle of this is where Glashütte Original established its operations, taking mostly from styling cues prevalent in the 19th century.

IWC unveils four new additions to its revered Portugieser Perpetual Calendar range

If there's one feature that distinguishes IWC Schaffhausen from the rest, it's the revered perpetual calendar. The horological calendar mechanism, first devised by none other than Kurt Klause in the '80s, signaled a turning point. Manual synchronisation was introduced and it became a pillar for haute horlogerie complications from then on.

Blancpain’s latest Villeret Quantième Perpétuel expression takes cues from the Le Brassus forest

Few names come close to the horological ingenuity of Blancpain. The brand is commonly associated with watchmaking innovation and craftsmanship. And the Villeret Quantième Perpétuel offers its own unique expression, featuring the complex perpetual calendar, as well as the under-lug correctors.

Piaget celebrates 150 years’ worth of watchmaking landmarks

Annie Asistio

Since its inception, Piaget's savoir-faire is often defined by their daring creativity. In the late '50s, it announced its reintroduction to the world in the form of the first ultra-thin clockwork: the Altiplano collection. The Maison's groundbreaking new movement remains one of the most historically significant innovations in the 20th century, blurring the distinction between art and timepiece.

Symphony for the modern traveller: Rolex’s new Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller arrives in stunning fashion

In only about a decade since its debut, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller has quickly transformed itself into one of the most revered watches in recent memory. It's one of the most complicated watches released under the Rolex name in the modern age, combining the perks of the annual calendar and GMT functions. If the beloved GMT-Master was built for the pilot, then this timepiece is handcrafted with the traveller in mind.

Ulysse Nardin unveils a sandstorm: The Freak S Nomad debuts in a limited-edition sand-coloured expression

It was only two decades ago when Ulysse Nardin introduced an unorthodox timepiece in the face of 'Freak.' At the time, it was heralded for breaking the rules of traditional watchmaking: no dial, no hands and no crown. It was a risk when it was released but has since proven to be a groundbreaking timepiece with a deconstruction concept ahead of its time.

Breguet’s Reine de Naples 8918 is a grand ode to femininity

When Caroline Murat, Napoleon Bonaparte's younger sister, imagined Breguet's first wristwatch in 1810, she had Abraham-Louis Breguet create a timepiece worthy of her pedigree. Thus, the introduction of a series that would culminate in the world-famous Reine de Naples line. In honor of Women's Month, Breguet debuts a fresh new silhouette in the 8918.

Franck Muller Long Island Evolution: Revamped expressions for the modern age

When Franck Muller's Long Island watch first hit the market in 2000, it was revered for being a true homage to the Art Deco movement, with its curved rectangular case and rectilinear, arched numerals. It was a tasteful, innovative rendition of the Novecento style. More than two decades later, the renowned series gets reconfigured and revitalised with the Franck Muller Long Island Evolution.

The spirit of the Hublot Big Bang endures in the Maison’s latest timepieces

It's easy to forget how transformative the first release of the Hublot Big Bang was in 2005. It was a timepiece that paved the way for steel, ceramic and rubber to be seen as opulence redefined. From the 'sandwich' construction and 44-mm case to the large pushers and skeleton dial and strap, it has since become one of the most recognisable watches in the world.

Audemars Piguet’s new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon is a Tamara Ralph classic

It wasn't so long ago that Audemars Piguet’s first Royal Oak concept for women made quite a splash. Launched in 2018, the 18-carat white-gold timepiece featured a flying tourbillon and an array of brilliant or baguette-cut diamonds. At the time, it completely disrupted ideas of what a women’s wristwatch should be

Franck Muller unravels the legend of the Wood Dragon for its special-edition Lunar New Year series

Much like other Maisons around the world, Franck Muller joins the Lunar New Year festivities with its own reinterpretation of the revered Wood Dragon. Through its varied skeletonisation techniques, the Master of Complications managed to come up with a dazzling collection that mirrors the complexities of Chinese tradition. Hence, the arrival of the new Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Limited Edition and the Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition.

Hublot’s Classic Fusion Tourbillon Orlinski weaves together art and high watchmaking

Bryle B. Suralta

When Hublot first came to Richard Orlinski, the Swiss luxury watchmaker wanted a watch that had the makings of a contemporary piece of art. The collaboration ended up producing the coveted Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinsk, mirroring the celebrated artist's stylised geometric subjects. Now, they've linked up again to create another stunning timepiece in the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Orlinski.

Five timepieces that reveal the spectacle of the Lunar New Year

The Year of Dragon only comes around once every 12 years. In Chinese tradition, the revered celestial creature remains an icon of life and immortality. With it comes an abundance of luck, wisdom, and strength, inspiring the world's greatest Maisons to partake in the Wood Dragon tradition. Here, Boulevard looks into some recent limited-edition watches that typify the Lunar New Year spirit.

The Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is a chronometric revelation

Bryle B. Suralta

Girard-Perregaux gained the reputation of being an iconoclast in watchmaking with the introduction of the Constant Escapement in 2013. A winner of the Aiguille D'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, the timepiece was a masterclass in chronometry and mechanical depth. It was a holographic revelation in many ways, addressing the fundamental concern of amplitude drops in watches.

A Blancpain St. Valentine’s delight: The Ladybird’s enduring feminine charm

It was in the early 20th century that Blancpain became a standard-bearer for the feminine wristwatch. Betty Fiechter, who would become the first woman to lead a watchmaking company in 1933, had a vision for self-winding timepieces that would be appreciated by women. Hence, the creation of the smallest round movement of the time, the Ladybird model, which offered horological complications once reserved only for masculine watches.

François-Henry Bennahmias’ adieu to Audemars Piguet is a Travis Scott Royal Oak

Bryle B. Suralta

For about three decades, François-Henry Bennahmias transformed Audemars Piguet into one of the most dynamic names in high watchmaking. He brought the AP House to life, and would successfully bridge athletics, street culture and the tradition of Le Brassus craftsmanship together. Even as he leaves the brand, Bennahmias isn't done forging daring alliances just yet.

Showcase

Once in a blue moon: Unveiling the allure of blue sapphires

By Karishma Tulsidas
Photography by Kevin Khng

Collectable blue sapphires are becoming increasingly rare, due to depleting mines and a glut of treated stones on the market. Experts reveal the secrets to discerning truly exceptional blue sapphires.

What happens when a world-renowned camera maker creates a watch

Mike Huynh

Leica is a name forged in the history books of photography – with a reputation for precision imaging tools dating back to its foundation as Ernst Leitz Optische Werke in 1869. So what happens when a legendary German camera maker applies its philosophy of fine engineering to an entirely new discipline?

Rolex debuts the next generation of Cosmograph Daytona

The legend of a Swiss timing icon not only lives on, but is seeing a bold revival like no other in 2023 - the 60th anniversary of its debut. Rolex has pulled the covers off its next generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, a model made famous on the wrist of bonafide American actor and racer, Paul Newman. The model which has since graced the wrists of similar high-profile figures from Michael Jordan to Victoria Beckham continues to garner the respect and affection of watch aficionados the world over.

Natural pearls become highly sought after as they reclaim former glory

Karishma Tulsidas

In the history of bad deals, the one between Pierre Cartier and the Plant family likely tops the list. This was in 1916, when pearls were considered the most valuable objects in the world. Cartier had put together two strings of 55 and 73 ‘perfect’ pearls, touting it as their most expensive necklace ever.