From Torque to Tourbillons: A Fast-Paced End to July
The last weeks of July were pretty busy. We started with testing the rear-wheel drive, fully electric Porsche Macan. This particular model is important because it combines the traditional rear placement of the motor (behind the axle line) with a single electric motor, which means that this could have both traditional handling and longer range. This is a combination that we are finding is increasingly positive in the automotive world.
We also met with Ferrari regarding future plans, as well as attended the local launch of the enthusiast icon BMW M5s as sedans and touring models, now with both their wonderful V8 fuel engines and their well-received plug-in hybrid platform.
From there, we had an early morning flight to Singapore to attend the Singapore Anniversary SG60 celebrations of Bulgari, which included some gala dinners and a talk with the Octo Collectors Club. These discussions dovetailed quite nicely with similar discussions we’ve been having lately with luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hermes, in our efforts to understand why some luxury brands are more able than others to bring hard-core and knowledgeable watch collectors into their fold.
Bulgari, as seen from the watches on the wrist of the Octo club and the discussion both there and with other groups, has done it by making a long-term commitment to fine watchmaking while still keeping within their brand aesthetic and DNA, especially with pieces like the Octo Finissimo watches and their four-gong minute repeaters. The special launch for the Singapore 60th Nation Day Celebration was for the Octo Roma World Timer.
A late flight back to Manila the day after the talk got us back in time to kick off early morning meetings with Patek Philippe and Rolex prior to Lucerne Watch Week. The Lucerne Watch Week program is the result of the desire by the Lucerne Group to bring the excitement and immersion of the global watch fairs to the public, and it was extremely successful on many levels. They brought in the much awaited novelties for many of their brands. They held collector dinners and coffee meetups, and it was nice to see the vibe of the shows being more accessible to enthusiasts. This was the first chance by many to get some wrist time with pieces like the new Patek Philippe Cubitus watches and the Rolex Land-Dwellers.
Also, it was the first time that the watch brand created by fine watchmaking restorer extraordinaire Michel Parmigiani, Parmigiani Fleurier, was given a lot of public time. What I enjoyed most was the vibe surrounding Watch Week because it, in many ways, brought the excitement and experience of the watch shows to this specific market, which has indeed generated interest regionally.