RICHARD MILLE : Concours Arts et Élégance de Chantilly
On September 10th, the Château de Chantilly opened its gates and its gardens to a number of visitors who flocked to admire the 30 or so Ferraris having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1948 and 2008, watches previously owned by celebrities, concept cars and around 800 club cars. Sponsored by Richard Mille for the fourth time, this garden party-style event pays tribute to the French art of living and to automobile elegance. Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Ferraris and Maseratis rubbed shoulders with Renaults and Peugeots, to the delight of all devotees of gleaming vintage bodywork.
ZENITH : A spectacular show to introduce the Defy Lab
On September 14th 2017, Zenith unveiled “the world’s most accurate mechanical watch” at a press conference staged like a real show and hosted by CEO Julien Tornare, Jean-Claude Biver (President of the LVMH Watches Division), as well as Ricardo Guadalupe (CEO Hublot) – given that the Defy Lab was developed through synergies between Hublot and TAG Heuer. The highlight was undoubtedly the dramatic arrival in the packed press room of the watches, theatrically hung from drones.
BOVET : Artists for Peace and Justice
Founded by Paul Haggis, the Artists for Peace and Justice association organized its annual gala in September with the support of its principal sponsor, Bovet 1822, represented by Audrey Raffy, daughter of the owner Pascal Raffy. This charity evening raised 1.1 million dollars for projects dedicated to providing schooling for the children of Haiti.
ROGER DUBUIS : Aventador S : carbon rules
On September 20th 2017, the Lamborghini headquarters at Sant’Agata Bolognese witnessed the launch of the first fruits of the partnership between Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse : the new Duotor caliber and two Excalibur timepieces inspired by the engine of the Aventador S. Presented at a dinner served in the middle of the car’s production lines, the movement features a double inclined balance wheel reflecting the longitudinal architecture of Lamborghini engines. The two Excalibur Aventador S yellow and orange limited editions are made of carbon stemming from the same technology as that used for Lamborghini cars.
CARL F. BUCHERER : All aboard !
For a brand that proudly proclaims its roots in Luzern, Carl F. Bucherer has achieved a master stroke with a three-year customization deal for the Pilatus railway, a symbol of the region and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway !
PIERRE BOTTINELLI : A hyperactive shareholder
Closely acquainted with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ferrari, having facilitated their contacts with Audemars Piguet of which his family is one of the major shareholders, Pierre Bottinelli continues to head his investment company but is gradually devoting more and more time to extra-professional activities. These partly involve striding across the golf courses of Crans-Montana – which he knows like the back of his hand – and the Château de Bonmont ; and above all hunting mushrooms in Ticino. In the shade of a royal oak ?
ATELIERS DEMONACO : First Ateliers deMonaco boutique
For a brand named Ateliers deMonaco, what other city could it choose in which to open a first boutique than the capital of the Principality ? Located a stone’s throw from the famous casino, ensconced in the elegant Hermitage Monte-Carlo hotel, the new address offers the entire range of brand collections, including the brand-new black titanium Oculus 1297 featured in our photo shoot. Founded in 2008, Ateliers deMonaco is also pursuing its expansion by opening two other prestigious points of sale in France : Maier Joaillier in Lyon, and Emile Léon in Paris.
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT : Frederique Constant at the Nice Observatory
Representing a first in the long history of watch industry international press launches, the amazing Côte d’Azur Observatory was chosen by Frederique Constant for the unveiling of its Slimline Moonphase Manufacture Stars : an exquisitely feminine self-winding watch featuring a dial graced with a moon-phase display. To be explored in more detail in our November GMT Lady issue, and as of now on worldtempus.com
