A Stunning $2.18-Million Ruby, Toyota’s Le Mans Victory, Rolex’s Century in Shanghai & More
This week’s Luxe Dispatch spans a record-breaking Burmese ruby, Toyota’s return to the top at Le Mans, and Bentley’s latest Mulliner creation. We also remember Patek Philippe’s Philippe Stern, step inside Rolex’s centenary exhibition in Shanghai, revisit Maserati’s racing heritage, and look ahead to Noma’s Copenhagen comeback.
A Burmese Ruby Shatters Its Estimate at Bonhams
A Burmese ruby and diamond necklace sold for $2.18 million at Bonhams’ Exceptional Jewels sale in New York, more than 20 times its $100,000 to $150,000 estimate. The piece centers on an oval-cut, 5.02-carat ruby ringed by baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds, with roughly 39 carats total. The result helped push the 153-lot auction to $9.48 million, with 98 percent sold by value.
Toyota Returns to the Top at Le Mans
Toyota reclaimed Le Mans‘ top prize at the 94th 24 Hours, ending Ferrari’s three-year winning streak. Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway, and Nyck de Vries drove the No. 7 GR010 Hybrid to victory, edging the No. 20 BMW by 10.9 seconds. Toyota’s No. 8 car took third; Ferrari finished fifth. The win marked Toyota’s sixth Le Mans triumph and Kobayashi’s second, restoring the manufacturer to the top of the Circuit de la Sarthe after its last win in 2022.
Remembering Philippe Stern’s Generational Vision
Philippe Stern, the former president who guided Patek Philippe into the modern era while preserving its traditions, died June 15 at 88. Watches Editor Carl Cunanan remembers him through quieter moments. A smile shared as Cunanan’s young son watched a watchmaker at work; an old coin that helped Stern recognize it was time to hand the company to his son, Thierry.
Read more here.
Rolex Marks a Century of the Oyster in Shanghai
Rolex marks the Oyster’s 100th anniversary with The Oyster Story, an immersive exhibition at Shanghai’s West Bund Dome. It traces the invention that transformed the brand and watchmaking, pairing historical timepieces with panoramic films and archival material on Rolex’s proprietary alloys and dialmaking. Visitors can explore the Oyster and Superlative pavilions, a library, and a cinema honoring founder Hans Wilsdorf, alongside displays on the earliest Oyster watches’ refined, compact design.
The Oyster Story runs through June 28, 2026. Read more here.
Noma Begins a New Chapter in Copenhagen
Noma will reopen in Copenhagen on August 5, months after ending service and a controversial Los Angeles residency. The restaurant will introduce a new menu each month, drawing on ingredients, landscapes, and ideas. René Redzepi remains creative director but leaves daily operations following allegations about his past leadership. Annika de Las Heras becomes CEO, Mette Bring Søberg leads research and development, and Pablo Soto serves as executive chef.
Priced at $675 per person. Read more here.
Maserati Brings Its Racing Heritage Back to the 1000 Miglia
Maserati returned to the 1000 Miglia with a 1953 A6 GCS/53 that competed in five editions of the original race. Owner Igor Zanisi and his daughter Lara drove the historic racer along the 1,900-kilometer Brescia–Rome–Brescia route with support from Maserati Classiche. Their entry also honored Formula 1 pioneer Maria Teresa de Filippis on the centenary of her birth. Four current Maserati models joined as support cars, wearing liveries inspired by the Tipo 26, A6 1500, 250F, and 3500 GT.
Read more here.
Bentley Gives the Continental GT S a Bespoke Makeover
Bentley has unveiled its first Continental GT S Bespoke Edition by Mulliner, limited to 100 numbered examples across coupe and convertible configurations. Six colorways distinguish the 2027 edition, each paired with a satin center stripe, black 22-inch wheels, and self-leveling badges. Cabins pair Jet Black leather with exterior-matched accents, dark chrome detailing, mood lighting, and perforated upholstery. Performance is unchanged, with the hybrid V-8 producing 671 hp and reaching 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Bentley plans a new Bespoke Series each year.
Read more here.