Nine Timely Luxury Watch Gifts for the Holidays

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra-Thin Caliber 1731 combines the complexity of a striking mechanism with the additional challenge of producing the thinnest minute repeater caliber and the thinnest minute repeater watch on the market—at just 3.90 and 8.09 mm thin respectively. It has a 65-hour power reserve, a silent flying strike governor, which steadies the rate at which the hammers strike the gongs. It is available at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.

Buying a luxury watch as a gift can be a downright terrifying experience. The choices are near endless in this day and age.

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours Chronograph relies on two discs, one atop the other, to show not only the hours, but to also indicate whether it is day or night. This unusual time display is made possible by Montblanc’s caliber MB R220. The chronograph tallies 60 elapsed seconds and 30 elapsed minutes on rotating discs with motionless hands. It is available at Montblanc boutiques.

Fortunately, I put together a list of nine watches that cover a variety of mechanical variations, designs and lifestyle attributes. There are watches in all shapes, styles and prices. Some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands are represented as well as critically acclaimed independent brands. There are ultra thin watches. There are watches in line with a lifestyle pursuit, such as high-powered automobiles or world travel. Several watches on the list have fanciful complications. Then there are the timepieces that speak to history and heritage. There’s even a watch brand that’s made in America.

Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon boasts one of the biggest moonphase apertures on the market along with rich guilloché dials and three-dimensional big moon. The 42mm, 18k red gold case houses the Arnold & Son caliber A&S1512 mechanical hand-wound movement. It has a one day-deviation every 122 years, at which point a single push on the corrector will keep it in sync for another 122 years. It retails for $28,550.

Surely there is something on this short list that could be a perfect gift for that special man in your life.

Nomos Glashütte Zürich Weltzeit 5th Avenue watch was designed in Zurich built in its manufacturing facility in Glashütte, Germany, and dedicated to New York. It’s powered by the Nomos in-house caliber Xi. To view the time in another zone, press the button above the crown at 2 o’clock until the desired location is at 12 o’clock. The “New York” display is at the 3 o’clock marker in red typeface next to a 24-hour disc. It is available at Wempe stores worldwide, limited to 100 pieces. 

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Jaquet Droz Grande Heure GMT has 24 indexes in Arabic numerals set around a Grand Feu enamel dial make it easy to see all the hours of the day in two cities. The hands are designed in the form of a compass. The red hand indicates local time while the blued steel hand shows the time at the destination. When the two hands come together in the same time zone they merge into a single, bi-colored indication of the exact time. 

For the first time the Piaget Altiplano watch integrates a calendar and holds its place as the thinnest watch in the world in its category. The 40 mm watch has an 18k rose gold case set with 72 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1 ct). The 1205P ultra-thin automatic mechanical movement is the thinnest in the world (3 mm thick), with small seconds and date and a 22k rose-gold oscillating weight.

The Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome R92 has a stainless steel tonneau-shaped column wheel chronograph combines vintage movements with modern craftsmanship and design. The R92 movement was originally fabricated in the 1950s. It uses a swivel-pinion design to synchronize the chronograph components. The dial is exposed providing full view of the movement. It retails for $16,700.

Graham Silverstone “RennSport” Skeleton reflects the accuracy and efficiency of automobile mechanics, showcases all parts of the caliber G1790 chronograph movement. The 46 mm steel case has polished bevel horns. A lateral porthole on the case at 10 o’clock provides a view of the escapement and balance wheel. Limited to 250 pieces it retails for $14,580. 

Devon Tread 2 Shining is manufactured in Los Angeles. It runs on Devon’s distinctive Time Belt movement and powered by a lithium-polymer rechargeable battery that can power the movement for up to 28 days. It retails for $9,950.

Luxury Jewelry Holiday Gifts For Procrastinators

Best-known as Angelina Jolie’s jewelry design partner, Robert Procop has created a colorful interpretation of Paris’ most famous monument, the Eiffel Tower. The diamond and gem expert, and luxury jeweler created a ring made of white gold and amethyst topped with a 50.83-carat aquamarine. The Eiffel Tower ring is available at, Robert Procop private locations in Beverly Hills, Geneva and Hong Kong.

There’s only eight shopping days left before Christmas and you still have no idea what to give your loved one. It’s difficult to go wrong with luxury jewelry as a gift for the holidays. However, choosing that will make your loved one swoon is difficult because tastes in fine baubles are personal and there are endless choices available for every need.

This one-of-kind fringe necklace by Graff has 69.40-carats of diamonds and 108.10-carats of rubies. The price is available upon request at Graff Diamonds boutiques.

The 10 pieces of jewelry I provide include one-of-a-kind high jewelry creations, pieces that can be worn throughout the day and fine designer pieces. They include items made of diamonds, colored gems and pearls. There’s even a colored-enhanced diamond ring.

Emerald and diamond earrings from gem and jewelry company, Omi Privé, are handcrafted with 13.06 total carats of pear-shaped emeralds accented with 1.05 carats of brilliant diamond rounds set in platinum. The suggested retail price is $225,000. Visit www.omiprive.com to find a retailer.

Prices range from “If you have to ask” to more affordable pieces. When available I listed the price and where the item can be purchased. Hopefully these gifts ideas can help you procrastinators buy something appropriate before it’s too late. I provided the price and availability for most of the pieces.

The Exclusive Collection Double Strand Tahitian Pearl Necklace by Mastoloni is made of Tahitian Pearls (12-14mm) secured with a diamond encrusted clasp set with 18k white gold. It has a suggested retail price of $42,500. To find a retailer, visit www.mastoloni.com.

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The Ruby Divine Ring by Martin Katz features a 2.56-carat natural cushion shape ruby microset with 336 round diamonds and 26 round rubies set in 18k white gold. Price is available upon request at the Martin Katz Beverly Hills boutique.

Amethyst and diamond earrings by jewelry designer and manufacturer, Miiori, are centered with two amethysts stones (8.19-carats) and 5.73cts of white diamonds set in 18k white gold. It retails for $17,275.

Venetian Rose Windows Earrings by Italian jewelry designer, Bizzotto, are made of 18k white and rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires. Suggested retail price is $8,740.

The Petales Entrelaces Petits Pétales bracelet from Montblanc’s Princess Grace collection is a delicate and discreet pink gold piece of jewelry that can be throughout the day and for any occasion. It is available at Montblanc boutiques throughout the world.

The Etoile de Vie Ring by Mauboussin features a pair of 18k white gold stars, one topped with white mother of pearl alongside a second covered in pavé diamonds. It retails for $2,100 and is available at the Mauboussin boutique on Madison Avenue, New York.

Natural pink diamonds are among the most sought after in the world. Fiamma Jewelry has developed a proprietary technology to create color-enhanced pink diamonds. The Beverly ring is centered with a 1.3-carat cushion-cut diamond surrounded by 82 round brilliant pink and white diamonds mounted in 14k white and pink gold. It retails for $6,799. To find retailers visit fiammajewelry.com.

Montblanc Honors Sanford I. Weill With Arts Patronage Award

Sanford I. Weill accepting Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award.

Sanford I. Weill has amassed a fortune by buying a small business and through a series of acquisitions turned it into the world’s largest company. 

The former CEO and chairman of Citigroup has been praised and vilified as the person most responsible for the “shattering” of the Glass–Steagall Act (which separated banking and insurance businesses and limited the investing risk banks could take), creating the modern financial services industry.

On Monday, Weill was being honored not because of his business success but because of his longtime philanthropy. Among the organizations that have benefited from his and wife’s Joan’s financial and personal commitment are the Academy of Finance, a joint program with the New York City Board of Education that trains high school students for careers in financial services, and Carnegie Hall, where he serves as board chairman. 

Sanford Weill in center holding his award. From left: Jan-Patrick Schmitz, Montblanc North America CEO and president, Lang Lang, Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall executive and artistic director, and Lutz Bethge, vice chairman of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation.

The 80-year-old businessman and philanthropist received the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award during an intimate lunch at Per Se New York. In a soft voice, he explained why it is up to those who have had success in business to take a leadership role in supporting arts and education. 

“As we think about the world we live in most of the governments that we know of, certainly in the developing world, don’t have much money,” he said. “What we really count on for education, culture or art, and healthcare is really not the place we can look at anymore. We’re going to have to think about how we create more public-private partnerships.” 

Even though Weill has given hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes, he said it takes more than money to make a good philanthropist. 

“Philanthropy is not just about giving money because people can give money to just solve their conscience but it’s also about having passion for something, giving your intelligence. What makes you successful in the private sector is also going to make you successful in the public sector. People shouldn’t say I’m busy, the company’s growing. I don’t have the time to do this.”

He added, “It really is better to give than to receive and when you give, you receive so much more.”

Weill was presented with a 15,000 euro cash award and a “Patron of Art Edition 2013 Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan” writing instrument (one of 12), commemorating the life and influence of Sforza, one of the most prominent patrons of the Italian Renaissance and a great supporter of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Gold Patron of Art Edition 2013 Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan Limited Edition 888.

The public will have the opportunity of purchasing two editions of this writing instrument: a gold model limited to 888 units and a silver model limited to 4,810 units.

Silver Patron of Art Edition 2013
Ludovico Sforza,  Duke of Milan
Limited Edition 4810.

Cylindrical towers on the cap and clip design were taken from the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, home to the ducal dynasty. The writing instrument’s fittings replicate the pattern Da Vinci, used in his fresco in the “Sala delle Asse” (“Chamber of Boards”) as well as in the Mona Lisa’s robes and ornaments. The initials engraved on the cap’s ring originate from a silver coin issued in honor of Sforza during the Milanese Renaissance. 

The gold model is offset with a blue lacquered cap and barrel. The silver edition is in black lacquer.

Prior to the luncheon ceremony, Lutz Bethge, vice chairman of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, explained that the patron of the arts awards, in its 22nd year, honors historical and modern persons who have a long history of giving their time and talents to supporting the arts and art projects. Each year an historical figure is chosen as the inspiration behind a limited-edition writing instrument. Then a modern-day patron of the arts chosen each year in 12 countries is presented with that pen, cash awards and the recognition that will hopefully inspire others to do the same. To bring the program to a larger audience, the brand made the same writing instrument available for sale in limited editions. In fact, Bethge said the popularity of this program spawned Montblanc’s highly-successful limited-edition business. 

“It was almost by chance and it is because of this award,” he said inside Montblanc’s new boutique at 600 Madison Ave.

While the award has been given to a broad group of people, Bethge and Jan-Patrick Schmitz, Montblanc North America CEO and president, did say that it is unusual to present such an award to someone from the financial services industry. However, Weill’s financial and personal contributions are part of a long history of patronage to the arts from royalty to today’s business leaders. 

“(In choosing Weill) we wanted to tell the story that the arts need patronage to flourish,” Bethge said. “This is a patronage award for arts and culture.” 

In addition, Weill’s commitment to education (as well as arts) is in line with the cultural commitment of Montblanc as a company that sells writing instruments, one of the most basic tools used for human communication. 

“Our mark is on the writing culture,” Bethge said. “It is the most important thing of mankind.”

Bethge and Schmitz explained in great detail that in each country there are juries that select nominees and then all of the juries together select the winner in each country. However, there is also a personal connection between the man and the brand: Lang Lang. 

Lang Lang performs for Sanford Weill.

The 31-year-old concert pianist is the chairman of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation. He has also known Weill since he was 17 years old and considers him a mentor as well as friend. Weill serves as director of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

The affection between the two was obvious throughout the event. Lang Lang gave him a big bear hug, something that Weill says he has been the recipient of throughout their 14-year relationship. He played three short compositions in Weill’s honor.

“Without you it would be a very different world,” Lang Lang said. “You really make our world better and because of you we have the confidence to shape our own world.” 

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Montblanc Princess Grace of Monaco Collection

Petales Entrelaces Tourbillon Ring

Montblanc has released new pieces to its Princess Grace of Monaco Collection by Susie Otero, managing director of jewelry for the luxury brand. First introduced in 2011 as an homage to the actress and princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, the collection is based on two motifs with the same inspiration: A pink rose that was created and named Grace de Monaco to commemorate her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

Petales Entrelaces Ring

The new designs serve as a complement to ones already created. The collection continues to be based on delicate curved petal shapes intertwined by using various jewelry-making techniques with subtle touches of diamond pavé. The polished gold surfaces, curved lines and diamond sparkle create movement when the jewelry meets with light. 
 

Petales de Rose Earrings

The bolder more contemporary of the two motifs is the Pétales Entrelacés (petals intertwined). As the name suggests the line features interlocking petal-shaped 18k pink gold pieces often sprinkled with diamond pavé. The new pieces—which include three rings, a bracelet and a necklace—are based on two themes: 

Petales de Rose Ring

* Petits Pétales (small petals), which as the name suggests are miniature petals in pink gold that interlock to form a floral chain; and

Petales Entrelaces Tourbillon Necklace

* Tourbillon (whirlpool), in which these same interlocking pieces are joined together in a way that forms whirlwind of rose petals in plain or diamond pavé pink gold, often mixed together.

Petales Entrelaces Petits Pétales Bracelet

Meanwhile, the Pétales de Rose motif takes a more subtle approach with the use of white gold and openwork diamond-pavé rose petals to form sinuous, graceful shapes. New pieces in this group include necklace, earrings, bracelet and two rings. 

Petales de Rose Bracelet

 
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Richemont Announces Leadership Changes at Montblanc and Jaeger-LeCoultre

Lutz Bethge

Lutz Bethge, CEO of luxury brand Montblanc International, will leave the post to serve as non-executive chairman and head of the Supervisory Board of Montblanc. He will be replaced July 1 by Jérôme Lambert, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Also at that time Daniel Riedo, currently Industrial director of Jaeger-LeCoultre, will become the luxury watch brand’s CEO.

The announcements were made Wednesday by luxury holding company, Richemont, which owns both brands.

In his new position, Bethge will represent Montblanc externally and will be an advisor to the luxury brand on strategic matters. Bethge has spent 23 years in various roles with Montblanc, becoming CEO in 2007. He is credited for moving the luxury brand from a traditional writing instrument manufacturer to a diverse luxury brand, adding watches, leather goods and jewelry to its product line.

“The Maison has been recognized as a legitimate player in the watch business, providing continued and significant growth,” Richemont said in its statement.

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Montblanc Silver Jewelry Line Combines Elegance and Attitude

Caractère Essential-Chic silver ring ($600), the Essence Prodigieuse silver and wood ring ($650) and the white lacquer and silver Caractère Chic-issim Bracelet ($1,170). Photo credit: Dan King of Dan King Photography

An affordable, versatile jewelry collection from luxury brand, Montblanc, has been available for almost a year. Created by Susie Otero, Montblanc’s managing director of Jewelry, it consists of large, oval, sculptural shapes in contrasting dark and light tones. The shapes take on a classical appearance in its execution.

Style expert Jen Abrams wearing the black sparkling lacquer Caractère Chic-issim pendant ($920) with the Essential-Chic silver ring ($600) and the stainless steel with black PVD finish Star Spell bangle ($600). Photo credit: Dan King of Dan King Photography

This is an affordable collection that can be worn to work and then out for the evening without skipping a beat. This versatility is enhanced through the addition of black and white color by applying lacquer or PVC coating on some of the silver pieces. Montblanc, known for its luxury writing instruments, is traditionally a masculine brand but it is working to attract women. This line is created with both the woman self-purchaser in mind and for men to buy as a gift while shopping for writing instruments, watches or leather goods. The luxury brand loaned me 12 pieces from the collection and I tested their ability to complement a variety of circumstances. The prices of the items photographed ranged from $525 to $1,300.
 

A view from the back for the Montblanc Prodigieuse silver and maple pendant necklace ($880). Photo credit: Dan King of Dan King Photography

Style expert Jen Abrams modeled the jewelry first at Fork restaurant with snapshots taken by me. Then we turned the photography over to a pro, Dan King of Dan King Photography. Abrams and King put the jewelry through some extreme close-ups and creative scenarios.
 

Style expert Jen Abrams and I began our day at Fork restaurant in Philadelphia where I took some pictures of her wearing Montblanc jewelry. Here, the Star Spell bangle ($600) took on the colors of the lights in the restaurant. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Finally, my wife, Maria, wore the jewelry to her casual work environment at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for three days. I took some snapshots of her next to a Cherry Blossom tree near full bloom.
 

The Caractère Essential-Chic silver bracelet ($1,395), the Romance Beauté silver and wood ring with a thin band of gold ($840) and the Caractère Essential-chic silver ring with black sparkling lacquer ($525). Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Abrams was attracted to the silver rings with dark wood and PVC highlights as well as the pendant necklaces. There were sterling pendants and bracelets that finished in a black or white lacquer on one side. This allowed the option of wearing them on the colored side or the silver side. Maria preferred the silver finishes. Maria also was fond of an oval pendant with the top half made of thin sterling that gradually finished in a thick maple. An interlocking silver bracelet was a favorite of Abrams and; unfortunately it arrived without the karabiner clasp. We did some improvisation to photograph it. 

The Romance Beauté silver ring with a thin band of gold ($840).  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The silver jewelry line is largely defined by three central themes: Romance, which uses soft, rounded forms to convey the femininity of the contemporary woman; Essence, which focuses on pure, essential shapes with an architectural dimension; and Caractère (character), which uses bold independent symbols to convey independence.

My wife Maria wearing the black sparkling lacquer Caractère Chic-issim pendant ($920) with the Essential-Chic silver ring ($600) and the stainless steel with black PVD finish Star Spell bangle ($600). Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Did the jewelry keep pace with the constant changes in environment? You decide.

The Volupté silver and white lacquer pendant necklace finds a home on a Cherry Blossom tree ($960). Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

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The Romance Beauté silver ring with a thin band of gold ($840). Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The interior of Fork restaurant. Ellen Yin, co-owner of the stylish American bistro, was gracious enough to allow us to take photographs prior to the dinner service. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

A Sneak Peek At New Montblanc Jewelry

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair.” Braided yellow and white necklace from the Preuve de L'amour (Evidence of Love) collection, based on the famous German fairy tale. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, held Jan. 21 – 25, is first and foremost a luxury watch tradeshow. However, nearly a third of the 16 brands who exhibit at this intimate and luxurious event also produce jewelry.

New additions to the Pétales de Rose line of the “Princess Grace of Monaco” collection, made of white gold and diamonds. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

One of those brands is Montblanc, which provided a glimpse into what it will be releasing by French jewelry designer Susie Otero, Montblanc’s managing director of Jewelry. The pieces include new additions to the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco and the 4810 Collection as well as new collections, including a men’s line. After all Montblanc, known for its luxury writing instruments, is traditionally a masculine brand.

Various renditions of gold and diamond boule rings in gold and diamonds from the Montblanc 4810 collection. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Materials include rose and white colored 18k gold, colorless diamonds, colored gems and sterling silver. The accompanying slideshow gives a glimpse on what Otero and Montblanc displayed during the event in Geneva. The new pieces are scheduled to be released as early as April.

New additions to the Pétales Entrelacés line of the “Princess Grace of Monaco” collection, made of rose gold and diamonds. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

More new items from the Preuve de L'amour collection, this time taking its direction from the Roman goddess, Venus. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Cufflinks made of stainless steel and ornamental stones from the Stripes collection. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

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Hollywood Stars Come Out for Montblanc’s Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch

Hilary Swank signs a brick, which is the symbol for Montblanc's 2013 pre-Oscars charity brunch. She is wearing Montblanc's Pétales Entrelacés motif bracelet.

Montblanc held its annual “Charity Brunch” Saturday at the Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles. Every year the luxury brand hosts this event the day before the Academy Awards presentation and selects a charity initiative. This year the charity is UNICEF’s “Signature for Good” program. 

UNICEF Ambassador Alyssa Milano.

Academy Award winning actress, Hilary Swank, led the event. She recently joined Montblanc and UNICEF on a field trip to Ethiopia and she shared her experience with those in attendance.

Christopher Lambert wearing Montblanc Star 4810 Chronograph.

Montblanc pledged to raise at least $1.5 million for the initiative, primarily through its recently unveiled “Signature For Good” collection, which includes special edition writing instruments, jewelry pieces and leather accessories. The feature design element is a brick that symbolizes the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities, through the creation of proper education programs and the construction of schools—brick by brick. Parts of the proceeds raised from the sale of the collection will be donated to UNICEF to build and maintain schools for underprivileged children for its schools in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Actress Emmy Rossum wearing Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic watch and Montblanc Seven Stars Collection.

In addition to Swank, celebratory guests included Emmy Rossum, Rosario Dawson, UNICEF Ambassador Alyssa Milano, Louise Roe, Alan Arkin, Billy Zane, Jesse Metcalfe, Peter Fonda, Jesse Williams, Madalina Ghenea, Alexander Ludwig, Danny Huston, Stacey Keach, Martin Landau, Alfrie Woodard, Mimi Rogers, Maria Bravo, Jane Seymour, Clemens Schick, Navid Negahban, Michael Nouri, Lana Parilla, Samantha Barks, Rachel Griffiths, Bailey Chase, Pal Sverre Hagen, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Natasha Henstridge and Michael York joined Lutz Bethge, Montblanc CEO, and Caryl M. Stern, U.S. Fund for UNICEF CEO and president. 

Montblanc CEO Lutz Bethge and U.S. Fund for UNICEF President and CEO Caryl M. Stern wearing Montblanc Star 4810 necklace.

Guests supported the program by signing bricks of a school specially recreated inside the hotel. 

Montblanc brand ambassador, opera star, Shenyang, performed.

 
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